Mumbai, May 26 (IANS) The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-Ajit Pawar group) on Tuesday reaffirmed faith and confidence in the leadership of national president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and resolved to put up a show of unity to consolidate its position while carrying forward the legacy of Ajit Pawar.

Sunetra Pawar, whose move to reconstitute the national executive excluding stalwarts, including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Dilip Walse Patil, among others, led to turmoil in the party organisation, chaired the first meeting of legislators, MPs, and senior party functionaries and urged everyone to contribute to keeping the party relevant in the state and at the national level.

Her message was: “Party unity is paramount; everyone should speak in one voice.”

She further stated that she had taken on the responsibility of party president and Deputy Chief Minister and was doing everything to ensure the party’s growth, especially after the untimely death of Ajit Pawar.

She insisted that everyone should work hard to strengthen the party organisation.

Sunetra Pawar was categorical in her address that the NCP has a bright future, reiterating that it would be possible only if everyone worked in unity.

Tuesday’s meeting was the maiden one after significant political confusion gripped the NCP (Ajit Pawar group) following the recent release of a list detailing its new National Executive.

The document, submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI), intensified discussions across Maharashtra as it appeared to sideline veteran heavyweights in favour of the next generation of the Pawar family.

In the newly formed national executive, Sunetra Pawar has been named the National President, her elder son and Rajya Sabha MP, Parth Pawar, the National General Secretary, and her younger son, Jai Pawar, a National Secretary.

The absence of Sunil Tatkare, who previously served as National General Secretary, and Praful Patel, a trusted veteran, sparked immediate speculation about a potential internal purge or a major strategic realignment.

Even though the party spokesman recently clarified that Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare continue to hold the same posts, party functionaries still expect clarity from Sunetra Pawar.

On Tuesday, she tried to put that episode aside, reiterating the need for unity.

Meanwhile, the deliberations were marred by a verbal duel between state unit chief Sunil Tatkare and senior minister Chhagan Bhujbal.

While Tatkare was speaking, Bhujbal intervened and asked him to wrap up to avoid repetition, as he had to attend the coordination committee meeting of the Mahayuti partners.

Unmoved by Bhujbal’s intervention, Tatkare continued speaking and explained how he and Praful Patel were painted as villains, adding that they worked to streamline the party organisation, which was recovering from the demise of Ajit Pawar.

Tatkare further stated that last week, he had clarified in a press conference that all misunderstandings within the party had been resolved.

He stated that party leaders and workers would soon embark on a joint statewide tour to build a robust organisational structure and drive extensive expansion.

Regarding the party’s National Executive, Tatkare informed that the revised letter required by the Election Commission of India (ECI) would be submitted in the coming days.

He added that detailed and positive discussions on this matter had taken place among all top leaders during an internal party meeting.

He noted that his statements had been received positively within the party organisation.

Earlier, three experts made presentations to attendees on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and their role.

Moreover, the party has decided to celebrate its anniversary on June 10 in a big way, sending a clear message that it is ready to tackle every challenge and spread its wings.

–IANS

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