3 weeks ago
NCP faction faces structural and leadership uncertainty
A political party called the Nationalist Congress Party, or NCP, is having a hard time deciding who should be in charge in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
The party is now led by a woman named Sunetra Pawar, who became the leader after her husband, Ajit Pawar, passed away.
Her son, Parth Pawar, is also helping make the party's decisions.
Some older party leaders, like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, feel left out and unhappy about this.
Things got more complicated when the party talked to a famous election expert named Prashant Kishor for advice, which some leaders did not like.
A government office called the Election Commission of India has asked the party to show official paperwork about its new leaders.
Some party members even complained that the way the new leader was chosen was not fair.
Another big political party, the BJP, is watching closely to see what happens to the NCP.
Now the party must work out who leads it and try to come back together.
Tensions within the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP have exposed severe internal power struggles and leadership disputes following Ajit Pawar's death.
Political strategist Prashant Kishor reportedly met Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar to discuss 2029 election strategy, though Sunil Tatkare said he was unaware of any official consultancy appointment.
Senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare are in conflict with Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar, who have asserted control over party administration.
The Election Commission of India asked the NCP to submit official resolutions after complaints challenged the validity of the meeting that elected Sunetra Pawar party president.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said any merger or major structural realignment would require prior consultation with the BJP, which is closely monitoring the situation.
- Who
- The Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, including party president Sunetra Pawar, MP Parth Pawar, and senior leaders Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal.
- What
- Internal power struggles, leadership disputes, and a widening rift over party control after the death of then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar's rise to party president.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India, with developments linked to Mumbai and New Delhi.
- When
- Following Ajit Pawar's sudden demise and through recent months, ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
- Why
- A leadership vacuum and competition over party control between senior leaders and the Pawar family, compounded by disagreements over engaging consultant Prashant Kishor.
Senior Leaders (Patel-Tatkare Camp)
Pawar Family Leadership (Sunetra-Parth)
Prashant Kishor's consultancy
Senior Leaders (Patel-Tatkare Camp)
Sunil Tatkare said he was unaware of any official appointment of Kishor and stressed that building a party requires direct engagement with the public and ground-level workers.
Pawar Family Leadership (Sunetra-Parth)
Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar reportedly met Kishor for long-term planning for the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, with reports that he suggested state-level organisational restructuring.
Party leadership after Ajit Pawar's death
Senior Leaders (Patel-Tatkare Camp)
Praful Patel said a leadership vacuum exists following Ajit Pawar's passing and stressed that operational reforms are essential; he and Tatkare saw their influence reduced.
Pawar Family Leadership (Sunetra-Parth)
Parth Pawar gradually asserted control over party administration to solidify his position within the hierarchy, with party insiders attributing friction to his political ambitions.
Omission of designations in office-bearers list
Senior Leaders (Patel-Tatkare Camp)
Senior party leaders indicate no formal corrections have been implemented regarding the list submitted to the ECI, which omitted operational designations for Patel and Tatkare.
Pawar Family Leadership (Sunetra-Parth)
Sunetra Pawar publicly labelled the omission an administrative error that would be rectified.
Key facts
- Party
- Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) – Ajit Pawar faction
- Party President and Deputy CM
- Sunetra Pawar
- State
- Maharashtra, India
- Key Dispute
- Power struggle between senior leaders (Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare) and Sunetra-Parth Pawar
- ECI Action
- Notice to submit official resolutions on organizational changes after a complaint
- Election Target
- 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections
- Consultant
- Prashant Kishor (appointment not confirmed by Sunil Tatkare)
- BJP Position
- Devendra Fadnavis says mergers or major realignments need prior consultation with BJP
Sources
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