Narayan Rane’s exit: Ajit Pawar now front runner for post of Oppn leader in Maharashtra Assembly

Pawar is currently the leader of the legislative party in the Maharashtra Assembly

With Narayan Rane’s exit, the Congress is likely to lose its post of Opposition leader in the state Assembly. Its ally, the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is ready to stake a claim to the post, for which former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is considered to be the front runner. Pawar is currently the leader of the legislative party in the Assembly.

Ajit Pawar is a popular choice among party legislators owing to his appeal and aggressive nature. (HT File)

“We will stake a claim to the post if the NCP emerges as the biggest Opposition party in terms of strength in the Assembly,” said Nawab Malik, NCP spokesperson. With Rane expected to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), buzz is that his son Nitesh Rane — an MLA from the Kankavli constituency of Sindhudurg — and close aide Kalidas Kolambkar — seven-time MLA from Wadala — will follow suit.

Currently, the Congress has 42 members in the Assembly, while the NCP has 41. If Nitesh and Kolambkar quit, the Congress’ strength will come down to 40, making the NCP the main Opposition party by default.

This has triggered speculations over who will lead the NCP in the lower House. “We have many senior leaders. But, Ajit Pawar is a popular choice among party legislators owing to his appeal and aggressive nature,” said a senior leader, who did not wish to be identified.