India, Feb. 20 -- Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Raju Khare from Mohol has sparked political speculation with his increasing proximity to Shiv Sena. His recent statement at a political rally in Pandharpur, where he credited deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde for his electoral success, has set off discussions about a potential shift in allegiance.

Last week, a felicitation programme of NCP (SP) MLAs,. including Khare and Abhijit Patil, was organised in Pandharpur. During the event, Khare clarified that he is Balasaheb's Shiv Sainik.

"There was neither mashal (torch) nor bow and arrow in Mohol. Local Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders approached Sharad Pawar to get me a ticket. I have blessings from both Eknath Shinde ...