‘No rift in party’: NCP rejects challenge to Sunetra Pawar’s election as chief

NCP Affirms No Rift in Party as Sunetra Pawar’s Leadership Stands

Thedeshpost.com – Leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), including Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, have firmly denied any internal disputes regarding Sunetra Pawar’s recent election as national president. Emphasizing the party’s unity, they stated that the leadership transition was conducted in accordance with established procedures. The controversy arose after national secretary Sachchidanand issued a challenge questioning the validity of Pawar’s election, but the duo dismissed the notice, asserting that no rift exists within the party.

Sunetra Pawar’s victory in the February 26 presidential election has been under scrutiny since Sachchidanand released a notice on July 9. The challenge claimed that the election process was unconstitutional, arguing that the party bypassed necessary protocols following the passing of former president Ajit Pawar in an air crash on January 28. According to the notice, the Election Commission was informed that Praful Patel would serve as interim president until a new leader was chosen, yet the process was initiated by general secretary Brijmohan Shrivastav without proper authorization. The challenge also highlighted the absence of a duly formed central election authority and returning officer, casting doubt on the election’s legitimacy.

“There is no rift in the party. All senior leaders are actively engaged in political discussions with Sunetra Pawar, and the notice by Sachchidanand holds no significant weight. Any disagreements should be resolved in the party’s best interest,” said Praful Patel, reinforcing the NCP’s stance. The leaders stressed that the election process followed the party’s constitution, ensuring transparency and fairness. They emphasized that while members may have differing opinions, the party’s collective decision-making remains intact.

Legal Framework and Leadership Consensus

Sunil Tatkare, the NCP Maharashtra president, described the challenge as “illegal” and called for a thorough legal review of the procedures