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Dispute over NCP Leadership Post-Ajit Pawar; Did Sunetra Pawar's Letter 'Exclude' Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare?
Pune: Signs of internal unrest have once again begun to surface within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). A letter sent to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Sunetra Pawar has sparked a debate within the party, as it makes absolutely no mention of senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. The tension within the party became even more palpable after this letter went viral on social media.
In the letter addressed to the Election Commission on March 10, Sunetra Pawar formally informed the body of her appointment as the party president and submitted a list of 14 office-bearers. This list explicitly mentions only two individuals: Sunetra Pawar (President) and Shivajirao Garje (Treasurer). The specific designations of the other 12 leaders—including prominent figures such as Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Jay Pawar—have not been mentioned at all. Furthermore, in her letter, Sunetra Pawar requested that the Election Commission disregard any letters or communications sent by the party during the period following Ajit Pawar's passing on January 28 (up until February 26).
Rohit Pawar has raised questions regarding this matter, highlighting the contents of the letter. Following the party split in 2023, Ajit Pawar was appointed as the head of the NCP. Subsequently, Praful Patel became the National Working President, and Sunil Tatkare assumed the role of State President. Following Ajit Pawar's demise, Sunetra Pawar was unanimously appointed as the party president on February 26.
After the letter came to light, certain party sources expressed the view that Sunetra Pawar's leadership style remains relatively less assertive, and that organizational decisions within the party effectively remain in the hands of Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. However, both leaders have denied any intention of sidelining Sunetra Pawar and have instead reaffirmed their loyalty to the Ajit Pawar family.
Speaking to the media, Sunil Tatkare also shared his views regarding the ongoing discussions concerning a potential merger of the party. He stated that discussions regarding a merger were underway while Ajit Pawar was still alive, but the situation is now different. He also criticized the Sharad Pawar faction.
Meanwhile, Sunetra Pawar arrived in Delhi on Wednesday evening, and meetings with NDA leaders are likely to take place. Some party leaders have advised Sunetra Pawar to become more active and establish direct contact with the public.
This letter, along with the subsequent discussions, raises new questions regarding the power struggle within the NCP and the prospects of a future merger. Although party leaders are currently maintaining silence on this issue, it is evident that internal turmoil is brewing.
Pune: Signs of internal unrest have once again begun to surface within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). A letter sent to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Sunetra Pawar has sparked a debate within the party, as it makes absolutely no mention of senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. The tension within the party became even more palpable after this letter went viral on social media.
In the letter addressed to the Election Commission on March 10, Sunetra Pawar formally informed the body of her appointment as the party president and submitted a list of 14 office-bearers. This list explicitly mentions only two individuals: Sunetra Pawar (President) and Shivajirao Garje (Treasurer). The specific designations of the other 12 leaders—including prominent figures such as Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Jay Pawar—have not been mentioned at all. Furthermore, in her letter, Sunetra Pawar requested that the Election Commission disregard any letters or communications sent by the party during the period following Ajit Pawar's passing on January 28 (up until February 26).
Rohit Pawar has raised questions regarding this matter, highlighting the contents of the letter. Following the party split in 2023, Ajit Pawar was appointed as the head of the NCP. Subsequently, Praful Patel became the National Working President, and Sunil Tatkare assumed the role of State President. Following Ajit Pawar's demise, Sunetra Pawar was unanimously appointed as the party president on February 26.
After the letter came to light, certain party sources expressed the view that Sunetra Pawar's leadership style remains relatively less assertive, and that organizational decisions within the party effectively remain in the hands of Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. However, both leaders have denied any intention of sidelining Sunetra Pawar and have instead reaffirmed their loyalty to the Ajit Pawar family.
Speaking to the media, Sunil Tatkare also shared his views regarding the ongoing discussions concerning a potential merger of the party. He stated that discussions regarding a merger were underway while Ajit Pawar was still alive, but the situation is now different. He also criticized the Sharad Pawar faction.
Meanwhile, Sunetra Pawar arrived in Delhi on Wednesday evening, and meetings with NDA leaders are likely to take place. Some party leaders have advised Sunetra Pawar to become more active and establish direct contact with the public.
This letter, along with the subsequent discussions, raises new questions regarding the power struggle within the NCP and the prospects of a future merger. Although party leaders are currently maintaining silence on this issue, it is evident that internal turmoil is brewing.
In the letter addressed to the Election Commission on March 10, Sunetra Pawar formally informed the body of her appointment as the party president and submitted a list of 14 office-bearers. This list explicitly mentions only two individuals: Sunetra Pawar (President) and Shivajirao Garje (Treasurer). The specific designations of the other 12 leaders—including prominent figures such as Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Jay Pawar—have not been mentioned at all. Furthermore, in her letter, Sunetra Pawar requested that the Election Commission disregard any letters or communications sent by the party during the period following Ajit Pawar's passing on January 28 (up until February 26).
Rohit Pawar has raised questions regarding this matter, highlighting the contents of the letter. Following the party split in 2023, Ajit Pawar was appointed as the head of the NCP. Subsequently, Praful Patel became the National Working President, and Sunil Tatkare assumed the role of State President. Following Ajit Pawar's demise, Sunetra Pawar was unanimously appointed as the party president on February 26.
After the letter came to light, certain party sources expressed the view that Sunetra Pawar's leadership style remains relatively less assertive, and that organizational decisions within the party effectively remain in the hands of Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. However, both leaders have denied any intention of sidelining Sunetra Pawar and have instead reaffirmed their loyalty to the Ajit Pawar family.
Speaking to the media, Sunil Tatkare also shared his views regarding the ongoing discussions concerning a potential merger of the party. He stated that discussions regarding a merger were underway while Ajit Pawar was still alive, but the situation is now different. He also criticized the Sharad Pawar faction.
Meanwhile, Sunetra Pawar arrived in Delhi on Wednesday evening, and meetings with NDA leaders are likely to take place. Some party leaders have advised Sunetra Pawar to become more active and establish direct contact with the public.
This letter, along with the subsequent discussions, raises new questions regarding the power struggle within the NCP and the prospects of a future merger. Although party leaders are currently maintaining silence on this issue, it is evident that internal turmoil is brewing.
