Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare rejected a notice questioning Sunetra Pawar’s election as national president, asserting that the party remains united. They emphasized that the election complied with the party constitution and the notice holds no legal weight.
Key Takeaways
- Sunetra Pawar’s election is constitutionally valid
- No rift within NCP
- Legal scrutiny of the notice is underway
NEW DELHI: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday dismissed a notice issued by its national secretary Sachchidanand that claimed Sunetra Pawar’s election as national president was unconstitutional. Senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare stressed that the matter does not indicate any split within the party and that the election was conducted strictly under the party’s constitution.
Immediate Party Response
Patel told PTI, “There is no rift in the party. All senior leaders meet with Sunetra Pawar to discuss political issues. The letter written by Sachchidanand carries no weight. Any issue should be resolved amicably in the interest of the party.” Similarly, Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare labeled the notice ‘illegal’ and announced that the party would first examine its legal validity.
Substance of the Notice
According to the notice dated July 9, the election held on February 26 lacked constitutional authority. It alleges that after the death of former NCP president Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28, the party informed the Election Commission that Praful Patel would serve as acting national president. However, the notice claims that General Secretary Brijmohan Shrivastav convened a national convention and initiated the election process without the requisite central election authority, returning officer, or schedule.
Historical Context and Potential Impact
Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise created a leadership vacuum that could have triggered factionalism. Sunetra Pawar’s subsequent elevation appears to have restored a measure of stability. If the notice were upheld, it could force a constitutional amendment within the NCP, possibly prompting fresh elections under an independent authority—an outcome that would reshape the party’s power dynamics both in Maharashtra and at the national level.
Next Steps
Tatkare said the party’s core committee will meet shortly, seek legal counsel, and decide on a response. He also mentioned plans to discuss the finance portfolio with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a portfolio previously held by the late Ajit Pawar. Additionally, the NCP will organise a week‑long programme from July 22 to commemorate Ajit Pawar’s birth anniversary, reinforcing party unity and legacy.