MUMBAI: NCP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel on Monday disclosed that 51 out of 54 NCP legislators had given a letter to party chief Sharad Pawar when the Maha Vikas Aghadi government was on the verge of collapse last year, saying that the NCP should align with BJP for formation of government.But the NCP leadership failed to take a decision on time, and "Eknath Shinde grabbed the opportunity and formed the government with Devendra Fadnavis," Patel told TOI in an interview, indicating that the process of going with the BJP had started in mid-2022.Patel said not only legislators but NCP's leaders and grassroots-level activists were keen it should become a part of government.

"Many legislators were facing problems in allocation of funds for constituencies, financial assistance to farmers and such issues.

Now, with NCP in government, we expect these issues to be resolved as priority," he said.Patel said not only legislators but NCP's leaders and grassroots-level activists were keen it should become a part of government.

"Many legislators were facing problems in allocation of funds for constituencies, financial assistance to farmers and such issues.

Now, with NCP in government, we expect these issues to be resolved as priority," he said.Patel, one of the NCP founder's closest aides, was last month appointed by Pawar as working president of NCP along with Supriya Sule but chose to go with Ajit.

Reiterating a point made by Ajit Pawar, Patel said a majority of NCP leaders felt that if the party could align with Shiv Sena, there was nothing wrong in it joining hands with BJP.

"For decades, we had ideological differences with Sena, but still we formed government with it.

We joined hands with BJP in the larger national interest, the thought process is not new.

For the development and progress of Maharashtra we joined the government," he said.03:00Major political coup in Maharashtra, NCP’s Ajit Pawar joins NDA governmentOn how NCP became part of the Shinde-Fadnavis regime, Patel said once a policy decision was taken, Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis were engaged in constant dialogue to finetune the details.

"So far, nine NCP legislators have been inducted.

Soon, more legislators from Shiv Sena, NCP and BJP will be included in the cabinet expansion.

Shinde, Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar are working out allocation of portfolios," he said.

Patel said the 2024 LS polls will be contested under leadership of PM Modi and assembly polls under leadership of CM Shinde.

"Since the MVA has weakened, it will be an impressive win for the BJP-Shiv Sena and NCP," he said.

Patel said while more than 43 legislators have extended their support to Ajit Pawar, he will be happy if NCP remains a united family like it was before.

"It is not the case that we have happily taken the decision.

In politics, one had to take hard decisions," he said.

On the Sharad Pawar group's decision to sack him from the party, Patel said it was unfortunate that the party had not adhered to its constitution for the past several years.

On his relations with Sharad Pawar after the rebellion in the NCP, Patel said he will not comment on Pawar.

"He is my mentor and guru," he said.

02:04Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel other NCP leaders reach residence of FadnavisWatch“Collective decision, no pressure from ED or anyone,” Praful Patel on joining Shinde-led govt