Shiv Sena MP from Parbhani in central Maharashtra Ganesh Dhudhgaonkar today met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar, fuelling speculation that he was on the way to join the Sharad Pawar-led party ahead of the elections.
NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik confirmed the meeting, but did not reveal the details.
Speculation is rife that Dhudhgaonkar, a lawyer, will cross over to NCP and may be given a ticket for the Assembly elections later this year.
NCP sources said that decision on his formal entry into the party would be taken at an appropriate time.
NCP has already finalised Vijay Bhambale as the candidate from Parbhani Lok Sabha constituency.
Dudhgaonkar could not be reached for comments.
Another Sena MP, Bhausaheb Wakhchaure, will join Congress later this month. He met Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and MPCC president Manikrao Thakre earlier this week.
Sena MP Anand Paranjpye too is set to contest the Lok Sabha election from Kalyan on the NCP ticket.
