In a significant political twist that could weaken the already struggling Peasants and Workers Party of India (Shetkari Kamgar Paksha), former Alibag MLA Pandit Patil, brother of party general secretary Jayant Patil, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The move comes amid growing internal discord within the Patil family and rising tensions inside the party over ticket distribution.

The political shift was sparked after Pandit Patil was reportedly denied a ticket by the Peasants and Workers Party, prompting his disillusionment and eventual decision to switch sides. He is set to formally join the BJP in Mumbai, where he will be accompanied by his son and Jayant Patil’s nephew, Aswad Patil, who is also embracing the saffron party’s symbolic lotus.

Initially, the news caused confusion, with many mistaking Pandit Patil for the brother of Jayant Patil of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). However, subsequent clarifications confirmed that this development concerns the Peasants and Workers Party and not the NCP-SP.

The move not only reveals deepening fissures in the Patil family but also exposes the widening cracks in the Peasants and Workers Party, a regional political outfit once regarded as a formidable opposition voice in Raigad district. The party, which once held sway over the district council and several assembly constituencies, has struggled in recent years to retain relevance. In fact, the last two state elections yielded zero MLAs from Raigad. The party is now left with just one legislator, representing Sangola in Solapur.

Adding to the party’s troubles is the arrest of senior leader and former MLA Vivek Patil in connection with a corruption case. Meanwhile, Jayant Patil himself has faced setbacks—failing to secure a seat in the Legislative Council due to internal disagreements within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.