NCP (SP) Leader Samarjeet Ghatge Likely to Return to BJP as Saffron Party Begins Mission 2029

Senior NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Samarjeet Ghatge is likely to rejoin the BJP, as the party kickstarts its Mission 2029 strategy in Maharashtra politics.

January 6, 2026 | Kolhapur – Maharashtra politics is once again witnessing signs of a major realignment as senior NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Samarjeet Ghatge is likely to return to the Bharatiya Janata Party. The development, reported on January 6, 2026, has sparked intense political speculation in Kolhapur and surrounding regions, especially as the BJP is said to be actively preparing for its long-term Mission 2029 strategy.

According to political sources, Samarjeet Ghatge has been holding informal discussions with BJP leaders over the past few weeks. While no official announcement has been made yet, strong indications suggest that his return to the saffron party is imminent. Ghatge had earlier been associated with the BJP before aligning with the NCP camp led by Sharad Pawar, making his possible comeback politically significant.

The BJP’s Mission 2029 is being seen as a comprehensive effort to strengthen the party’s base well in advance of future state and national elections. As part of this strategy, the party is focusing on bringing back influential regional leaders who command strong grassroots support. In this context, Samarjeet Ghatge’s potential return is being viewed as a calculated move to consolidate the BJP’s position in western Maharashtra, particularly in Kolhapur district.

Political observers note that Kolhapur has traditionally been a competitive political battleground, with strong influence of the Congress and NCP factions. The BJP has been making sustained efforts to expand its footprint in the region, and inducting experienced leaders like Ghatge could give the party an organisational boost.

Sources close to Ghatge suggest that dissatisfaction with internal functioning and leadership clarity within the NCP (SP) faction may be among the reasons driving his possible decision. The Sharad Pawar-led group has faced challenges in retaining leaders and workers following the party split, and several leaders have either defected or expressed discomfort in recent months.

BJP leaders, while maintaining official silence, have hinted that the party is open to welcoming leaders who share its vision of development and strong governance. They have emphasised that the BJP’s doors remain open for leaders who want to contribute meaningfully to public service and long-term political stability.

Reactions from the NCP (SP) camp have been cautious. Party leaders have not commented directly on Ghatge’s possible return to the BJP, but insiders acknowledge that such a move would be a setback, especially in a politically sensitive region like Kolhapur. Analysts point out that even the possibility of a senior leader switching sides can impact morale at the grassroots level.

Local political circles are abuzz with discussions on how Ghatge’s return could influence upcoming municipal and local body elections. His personal influence, combined with the BJP’s organisational machinery, could alter electoral equations in several constituencies.

For voters, frequent political switches have evoked mixed reactions. While some see such moves as strategic and pragmatic, others express concern over ideological consistency. Many citizens, however, remain focused on governance outcomes and local development rather than party affiliations alone.

As of January 6, 2026, Samarjeet Ghatge has not made a public statement confirming or denying his return to the BJP. However, political signals strongly suggest that an announcement could be made soon, potentially marking another chapter in Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape.

If confirmed, Ghatge’s return would reinforce the BJP’s Mission 2029 narrative and further underline the fluid nature of party politics in the state. The coming days are expected to bring clarity on the issue, as political observers and party workers closely watch the next move.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune