After completing the third phase of polling, the majority of NCP star campaigners has decided to camp in Maval Lok Sabha constituency where senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar's son Parth Pawar is contesting against Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne.
Maval Lok Sabha has six state assembly constituencies — Pimpri, Chinchwad, Maval, Karjat, Panvel, and Uran. Three of them are from Pune district while the remaining three are from Raigad district. For the seats in Raigad district, Ajit Pawar is banking on Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) which has a strong network in the district. PWP leader Jayant Patil has been given the responsibility of Panvel and Uran area, while Sunil Tatkare, a close aide of Ajit Pawar is camped in Karjat.
While Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde and NCP state wing women president Chitra Wagh have been campaigning for Ajit Pawar in the constituency, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar is also conducting a series of rallies for his grandson. Sambhaji fame actor Amol Kolhe has also addressed a couple of rallies. "After the third phase, most of our senior leaders are free. Thus, they are campaigning in the remaining seats and Maval is one of them. We are working meticulously so that the NCP can win as many as seats as possible," said Nawab Malik.
Earlier there were reports that the PWP's disgruntled leaders were not working for Parth Pawar in Panvel. However, Ajit Pawar called for a closed-door meeting with these leaders and convinced them to join hands in the fight against communal forces in the state.
"We are leaving no stone unturned in this poll. Parth is young, thus he is getting an overwhelming response. We are trying to address all issues that might crop up. Small differences may cost us a seat or two in this close contest fight," said another NCP leader.
