Mumbai/IBNS: In what could be a crack in the ruling coalition of Maharashtra, NCP (SCP) head Sharad Pawar's grandson Rohit Pawar has claimed 18-19 MLAs from the Ajit Pawar-led faction are aiming to return to the original fold.

Ajit Pawar said as quoted by The Times of India, "Nearly 18 to 19 MLAs (of Ajit Pawar camp) are interested in returning to the party. But for those who stayed with Sharad Pawar in difficult times are important to him and would remain the party's priority."

NCP (SCP) state president Jayant Patil said the party will take a decision after consulting Sharad Pawar.

Reports claim discontentment among Ajit Pawar's MLAs grew after the faction won only 1 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra, which has seen political chaos over the last few years.

In Maharashtra, which saw multiple "horse-trading" and alliance crumblings leading to political instability over the last few years, NDA suffered the jolt facing the upbeat INDIA, which won 30 out of 48 seats.

The NDA comprising the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP could add only 17 seats.

After BJP suffered a drubbing in the state, Deputy Chief Minister and state leader, Devendra Fadnavis, offered to resign taking the blame for the loss.

Fadnavis said, "I am taking the responsibility for such results in Maharashtra. I was leading the party. I am requesting the BJP high command to discharge me from the responsibility of the government so that I can work hard for the party in upcoming elections."