Maharashtra: 23 corporators leave BJP to join NCP

Ulhasnagar: In a setback to the BJP ahead of the upcoming Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation election, 23 BJP corporators joined the NCP on Wednesday in the presence of state NCP chief Jayant Patil and minister Jitendra Awhad in Thane.

The 23 corporators include Pancham Kalani, daughter-in law of Ulhasnagar strongman Pappu Kalani. The NCP appointed Pancham as party’s district president of Ulhasnagar city. Pancham, corporator from BJP and ex-Mayor, left BJP by giving resignation letter to UMC commissioner Dr Raja Dayanidhi on Wednesday morning. Later, her supporters, too, joined the NCP.

Kalani supporter Manoj Lassi told TOI, “TOK, a party formed by Pappu Kalani’s son Omie, has also merged with NCP along with TOK-supported Ulhasnagar Trader Association.” Awhad said 10 more corporators may join NCP in the coming days. Former MLA Pappu Kalani is said to be close to NCP chief Sharad Pawar.