Harshavardhan Patil Miffed With NCP, Calls Supporters' Meeting

Senior Cong. leader fuels speculation of joining BJP over lack of decision on Indapur

- Shoumojit Banerjee

Frustrated by the lack of a decision from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leadership on the Indapur Assembly seat, senior Congress leader Harshavardhan Patil has called for a meeting of his followers on Wednesday, lending credence to long-standing speculation that he may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) soon.

Mr. Patil, a four-time MLA from his stronghold Indapur and a former State minister, is one of the few big leaders left in the Congress, which has seen defections to the saffron coalition of late. According to sources, he is expected to announce his decision post-noon at a ‘Jansankalp’ (public resolution) meeting of his followers in Indapur. It remains to be seen whether Mr. Patil announces his decision to contest as an Independent or ally himself with the BJP.