MLAs from Pune district may get ministerial berths
Pune: The NCP (AP) has succeeded in retaining its hold over Baramati, Shirur, Bhor, Ambegaon and Indapur. The BJP has won the Daund seat again. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has snatched its constituency back from the Congress in Purandar. The Shiv Sena (UBT) is successful in Khed. In Junnar, independent Sharad Sonawane surged ahead of all other candidates.
Ajit Pawar (Baramati), Dilip Walse-Patil (Ambegaon), Rahul Kul (Daund), Vijay Shivtare (Purandar) and Sharad Sonawane (Junnar) are top five contenders for ministerial berths. Dattatraya Bharne can also be included to balance the caste equation. However, political circles are abuzz with talks about who would become a minister in the district.
Ajit Pawar has won the uncle vs nephew fight in Baramati. Rahul Kul has retained his seat by implementing development works in Daund. Vijay Shivtare has defeated Sanjay Jagtap in Purandar. Shivtare’s tenure as a minister in the Fadnavis-led cabinet could work in his favour, said senior leaders.
Dilip Walse-Patil has a long experience of working as a minister. Hence, his berth is almost certain. Sonawane is a close aide of CM Eknath Shinde. The latter sent a chopper to bring the former to Mumbai after his win. People are sure that he will become a minister. Going by the caste equation, Bharne, who represents the Dhangar community, should get a cabinet berth, said a leader.
