1 2 Pune: For decades, if there was one man Sharad Pawar relied on for elections and to plan his campaigns, it was Dilip Walse Patil . He followed Pawar after he separated from Congress to form the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999 and was for long viewed as a Pawar loyalist. No wonder then that his defection to the Ajit Pawar faction following the split in NCP raised many eyebrows.
The Nov 20 election will be a crucial test for Walse Patil, who has remained undefeated in Ambegaon constituency since 1990. The consecutive victories also brought him several ministerial berths in the state cabinet. He is now the Mahayuti govt's state minister of cooperation.
Despite representing Ambegaon for seven consecutive terms, political analysts anticipate a formidable contest as Walse Patil endeavours to maintain his stronghold, while Sharad Pawar-backed Devdatta Nikam of the NCP (SCP) campaigns for a new representative in this agrarian-rich belt in Pune district. Ironically, Walse Patil is seen as a mentor of sorts to Nikam. Political consultant Seema Rao noted that the senior Pawar is known as Walse Patil's mentor.
"His father Govindrao was a staunch supporter of Pawar. He also represented Ambegaon assembly. Dilip Walse Patil started his political journey as Pawar's assistant.
Learning politics alongside him, Dilip entered Ambegaon constituency and established his dominance there. This foundation helped him secure several ministerial positions. However, there has since been a twi.
