Overview

• Jayant Patil declared that he has not resigned as Maharashtra NCP (SP) president and dismissed all reports of defecting to the BJP as baseless.
• He emphasized no contact or offer was made by any BJP or ruling coalition leader to persuade him to switch parties.
• Patil clarified his praise for the central government’s direct benefit transfer scheme reflects policy views and does not indicate a shift in political alignment.
• Media speculation had suggested that MLC Shashikant Shinde would succeed him as state president, but those claims have been refuted.
• His statements came as the NCP (SP) convened a state executive meeting ahead of upcoming municipal and local body elections, highlighting the party’s focus on leadership stability.