The internal rift within the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party came to a head today, with a section meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Another one — called by Sunetra Pawar — is scheduled for tomorrow, which would clarify how much support she has within the party. It was followed by an internal meeting of the party.
“There is no discontent within the party… The Delhi meeting was pre-planned; all our leaders are united,” said NCP state chief Sunil Tatkare
“There is no discontent within the party… The Delhi meeting was pre-planned; all our leaders are united,” read a statement by NCP state chief Sunil Tatkare. But the NCP leaders were not on board with the plan. At the meeting, MLAs had expressed dissatisfaction regarding Parth Pawar’s style of functioning. The BJP leadership is understood to have conveyed its concern over the way the party is being run and urged its leaders to resolve internal differences.
At tomorrow’s meeting, “We will deliberate on the future course of action and the expansion of the organisation,” he added. Putting an end to reports of a merger within the NCP, Tatkare said, “Discussions regarding a merger have already ended”. The discussions he cited were held at the meeting with Amit Shah, who along with other BJP leaders, had suggested that the two factions of the NCP merge and stay as part of the NDA, sources said. Sources said the NCP leaders had emphasised that it is essential to carry everyone along and give respect to experience and seniority. Parth and Jay Pawar have assured the party that they will work in coordination with all senior leaders, sources said. Sources, however, said that besides the merger, the party’s internal issues and their effect on the Mahayuti government were also discussed.
