In a significant political development, Kolhapur BJP leader Samarjeet Ghatge officially joined the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday. Ghatge's move to NCP is seen as a major blow to the Mahayuti alliance, particularly as he is expected to contest from the Kagal Assembly seat in the upcoming elections.

During his induction ceremony, which was attended by Sharad Pawar himself, Ghatge made a powerful speech indicating his commitment to the new political path. He declared, ?This is the start of change. I urge party workers not to celebrate victory now? In the next two months, we have to work hard. In Kagal, we have to take Sharad Pawar?s ideology to the masses. In every home, the party symbol should reach. In Kagal, there will be 100 percent change.?

Ghatge's entry into NCP adds a new dimension to the political dynamics of the Kolhapur district. He previously contested the 2019 elections but finished as the runner-up. Despite his setback, Ghatge remains a formidable political figure, partly due to his connection to the royal family of Kolhapur.

Addressing the crowd, Ghatge acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting the strong support for Kagal's current MLA, Hasan Mushriff, who is aligned with Ajit Pawar?s faction of the NCP and currently serves as a minister in the Mahayuti government. Ghatge, however, expressed confidence in his new political allegiance, stating, ?Media persons often tell me that Kagal MLA had been elected for five terms. All groups are in his favor, the government is backing him, big institutions are backing him. Then what do you have? I tell them that I have Sharad Pawar and his strength. I don?t need anything else.?

Sharad Pawar, in his speech, urged the local population to support Ghatge's candidacy, signaling that the NCP has high hopes for his success. ?You should make Samarjeet Ghatge the MLA. We will make him the minister. The huge turnout here shows that Ghatge is going to become the MLA. He has taken the right decision? The land of Kolhapur does not mortgage its self-respect, this is what Ghatge and his followers have shown.?

The Kagal constituency is currently represented by Hasan Mushriff, who has a stronghold in the region. Ghatge?s switch to NCP and his potential candidacy from Kagal could lead to a fiercely contested battle in the upcoming elections, potentially reshaping the political landscape in Kolhapur.