Show Proof”: Sharad Pawar Loyalist Denies He ‘Secretly’ Met Amit Shah

Mumbai: 

Senior NCP leader Jayant Patil, a Sharad Pawar loyalist, on Sunday denied rumours that he had a “secret” meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Pune. Mr Patil, who heads the Maharashtra NCP unit, also scotched speculation that he was set to join the Ajit Pawar-led group in the Shiv Sena-BJP government.

Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also stressed that no meeting has taken place between Mr Shah and Mr Patil.

Amit Shah on Sunday launched the digital portal of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) office in Pun

Mr Patil said he was with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday evening and later met senior colleagues Anil Deshmukh, Rajesh Tope and Sunil Bhusara at his home.

“They were at my house till 1.30 am. I met Sharad Pawar again this morning. Those who spread these rumours should answer at what time I met Shah in Pune and show proof. I am always with Sharad Pawar. Such speculations should stop,” he told reporters.

Mr Patil said there was no pressure on him to switch sides and he hasn’t held talks with anyone.

“I attended the MVA meeting (on Saturday) for organizing the INDIA conclave in Mumbai. I am part of the organizing committee, so it is evident why such speculations are coming,” the senior NCP leader added.