Gondia, 07 Nov (HS): The appearance of Rajendra Jain, a

close associate of MP Praful Patel to welcome Nationalist Congress Party

founder Sharad Pawar in Tiroda led to confusion among the NCP (Ajit Pawar)

workers.

Patel is a senior leader and was at the forefront when

Ajit Pawar rebelled against Sharad Pawar. He and his party is a partner in the

ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. Rajendra alias Raju Jain worked with

Patel as his secretary and later contested elections.

On Thursday Sharad Pawar reached Tiroda in Gondia

district to campaign for the party candidate Ravikant Bopche. Raju Jain was

seen welcoming Sharad Pawar, which led to a discussion of whether Patel is with Ajit

or Sharad Pawar.

Jain said Sharad Pawar is our senior leader and we

have worked for several years under his guidance. Welcoming him should not be

misinterpreted.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar