In a tit-for-tat move, Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare has been appointed as the Maharashtra unit chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) by the faction led by Ajit Pawar. The announcement was made by Praful Patel, a prominent member of the rebel NCP faction, during a press conference. Jayant Patil, the previous state president, has been removed from his position, and Sunil Tatkare has been appointed as the new state party chief.
Praful Patel stated, “We had appointed Jayant Patil. We had given him the responsibility of Maharashtra president of NCP. Today, I have officially informed him of his removal from the post of state president. And I appoint Sunil Tatkare as Maharashtra state president for NCP.” He further emphasized that Jayant Patil should promptly transfer the charge to Sunil Tatkare, adding that all decisions in Maharashtra will now be made by Sunil Tatkare.
Additionally, Praful Patel announced that Ajit Pawar has been unanimously elected as the leader of the legislature party, and the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker has been informed about this decision.
When questioned about the NCP’s national president, Ajit Pawar responded by reminding everyone that Sharad Pawar holds the position.
Meanwhile, Supriya Sule, the working president of the Nationalist Congress Party, has requested the disqualification of MPs Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel for engaging in “anti-party activities” by supporting the induction of Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs into the Maharashtra government led by Eknath Shinde.
In response to the developments, the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP has expelled three leaders, including Shivaji Rao Garje, the regional general secretary of the party, Vijay Deshmukh, the Akola City District President of the party, and Narendra Rane, the working president of the party’s Mumbai division. The party’s State Disciple Committee has also passed a resolution to disqualify several NCP MLAs for their alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
The power struggle within the NCP continues, with rival factions taking retaliatory actions and making new appointments. The situation remains fluid as the political landscape in Maharashtra undergoes significant changes.
