NCP faces challenge as it navigates structural, leadership uncertainty

Mumbai, Aug 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tensions within the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) continue to surface, exposing severe internal power struggles, administrative challenges, and leadership disputes. The rift widened significantly following reports that political strategist Prashant Kishor recently met with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Party President Sunetra Pawar, alongside MP Parth Pawar, to discuss the party's future strategy.

Reacting to the development, NCP State President and MP, Sunil Tatkare expressed helplessness, stating he was unaware of any official appointment of Kishor as a consultant. Tatkare remarked that building a party requires direct engagement with the public—a subtle critique aimed at the current leadership approach.

This exchange highlights the growing conflict between senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare on one side, and Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar on the other.

Adding to the party's troubles, the Election Commission of India (ECI) recently issued a notice instructing the NCP to submit official resolutions regarding recent organisational changes, following a complaint filed regarding party governance.

Internal friction escalated following the sudden demise of then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the subsequent swearing-in of Sunetra Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister.

While initial expectations pointed towards National Working President Praful Patel taking the helm, Parth Pawar gradually asserted control over party administration, intensifying internal strife.

Early signs of conflict emerged when party correspondence sent to the ECI—covering the period from Ajit Pawar's passing to Sunetra Pawar's election as party president—was formally requested to be nullified by party representatives.

Furthermore, an official list of national office-bearers submitted to the ECI conspicuously omitted operational designations for both Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, leaving Patel designated on paper merely as the leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha and Tatkare as the leader of the party in the Lok Sabha respectively.

While Sunetra Pawar publicly labelled this an administrative error that would be rectified, senior party leaders indicate no formal corrections have been implemented. Visible distance was noted during Sunetra Pawar's recent visit to New Delhi, where neither Patel nor Tatkare joined her schedule.

Further discord arose when senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal publicly expressed dissatisfaction over Parth Pawar’s involvement regarding a tender process connected to the Food and Civil Supply Department. Party insiders attribute much of the internal friction to the political ambitions of Parth Pawar, who took an active role in party operations following his father's death.

Observers suggest Parth Pawar sought to reduce the influence of senior leaders like Patel and Tatkare to solidify his position within the hierarchy. Parth Pawar had previously played a role in engaging political consulting firm media operations during earlier election campaigns.

Recently, discussions with strategist Prashant Kishor have focussed on long-term planning for the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Reports indicating that Kishor suggested organisational restructuring at the state level, prompted Tatkare’s public pushback.

Tatkare emphasised that leaders must connect with ground-level workers rather than rely solely on air-conditioned offices—a direct reference to the contrast between traditional grassroots outreach and modern campaign consulting.

Sunetra Pawar’s leadership has faced open pushback. Praful Patel previously remarked that a leadership vacuum exists following Ajit Pawar's passing, stressing that operational reforms are essential to expand the party's base.

Meanwhile, a party official submitted a formal complaint to the ECI challenging the validity of the meeting in which late Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar was elected party president. The ECI subsequently requested the submission of verified organisational resolutions.

Despite remaining largely silent on key political issues over the past six months, Sunetra Pawar recently drew public sympathy after the state Congress in its official 'X' handle termed her 'Gungi Gudiya (silent doll)' to describe her. However, analysts note that the party has struggled to convert that sympathy into political momentum, as party workers await more decisive public leadership from both Sunetra and Parth Pawar.

The BJP is closely monitoring developments within the NCP faction. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently noted that any discussions regarding potential party mergers or major structural realignments would require prior consultation with the BJP.

While the BJP leveraged partnerships in Western Maharashtra's sugar belt during recent elections, political observers indicate the party will evaluate its long-term alliance strategy based on how the political landscape evolves leading into the 2029 election cycle.

For now, the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP faces a challenging road ahead as it navigates structural and leadership uncertainty.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)

Source: IANS