Mumbai, July 16 (IANS) Refuting widespread rumours of internal friction within the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), Maharashtra unit chief and MP, Sunil Tatkare, on Thursday clarified that the party stands completely united.

Addressing a press conference, Tatkare dismissed reports claiming that the party’s National President, Sunetra Pawar, was kept in the dark about his recent meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Speculation had been rife in political circles after Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel met CM Fadnavis at his official residence, ‘Varsha’ on Tuesday night.

Rumours suggested that Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar were unaware of the developments, leading to intense speculation about the party’s internal dynamics.

Responding to queries about whether Sunetra Pawar was oblivious of the meeting, Tatkare stated, “This is an internal party matter, and there is absolutely no room for double-mindedness. Sunetra Pawar is our National President. We regularly update her on all necessary developments. Our communication and tuning are excellent.”

Drawing a parallel to the past, Tatkare added that he shared an unbroken 35-year bond with the late Ajit Pawar, who always understood their actions effortlessly. He emphasised that a similar seamless rapport is now maintained with Sunetra Pawar, dismissing any claims that she had summoned them to demand an explanation.

Clarifying the nature of the meeting, Tatkare emphasised that every meeting with the Chief Minister does not inherently carry a political motive.

“I am a Member of Parliament, and I have various developmental works related to my constituency. I had some proposals that needed to be routed through the state government to Delhi. It is neither practical nor expected to inform everyone about routine administrative works.

“However, whenever there is a political matter or something concerning the party, we discuss it comprehensively. Sunetra Pawar is always informed about political meetings beforehand, and a detailed briefing is given to her afterward,” he explained, adding that having spent 40 years in politics, he is well-aware of political protocol.

Reports had also surfaced claiming that Jayant Patil, a senior leader from the Sharad Pawar faction, was present at the ‘Varsha’ bungalow alongside Tatkare and Patel, sparking rumours that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP might join the NDA alliance.

NCP leader Supriya Sule had already rejected these claims.

Tatkare completely denied any joint meeting, stating, “Jayant Patil was not present during our meeting with Devendra Fadnavis, nor did we meet him there. I fail to understand the logic behind the rumors that Jayant Patil joined us to demand the Finance portfolio. Jayant Rao has already clarified the purpose of his independent visit. He is a senior, self-made leader who has previously handled the state’s finance ministry. Our meeting had absolutely no connection with his visit.”

Tatkare explained that he had requested an appointment a day prior. Since the BJP Core Committee meeting was scheduled for that day and Praful Patel had an upcoming international trip, Patel accompanied him to expedite their constituency-related matters.

When questioned about the legal notices and previous talks of a party merger that had initiated during Ajit Pawar’s tenure, Tatkare noted that those discussions had reached their final stages before being completely halted following Ajit Pawar’s untimely demise.

He announced that he, along with Parth Pawar and Praful Patel, will be in Delhi this Sunday to deliberate on the legal response to a notice sent by former national secretary Sachidanand Singh.

Furthermore, Tatkare announced that the party will soon fill its vacant organisational positions, including the state heads for the youth, women, and Mumbai wings.

Tatkare also weighed in on the recent legal developments surrounding the Lavasa project, where he was a witness.

Highlighting that the Mumbai High Court dismissed the petition against the project, he said, “The petition had zero merit. This outcome reflects the strength and independence of our country’s judicial system. Whatever transpired has already been documented by ‘Saheb’ (Sharad Pawar) in his book, which was also cited by the petitioner. With the High Court’s dismissal, this controversy has been given a permanent full stop.”

–IANS

sj/rad