Maharashtra minister and state NCP chief Jayant Patil on Sunday claimed that a number of leaders who earlier joined the BJP, will return to the NCP in the coming months. He was talking to reporters during his visit to Thane to participate in the 'Jan Samwad' programme of the NCP.

"In the past, a number of leaders had left the NCP and crossed over to the BJP. However, many of them want to return home and are preparing for it. In the coming months, you will see several of them returning to the NCP," he said in response to a query.