Why Did Ajit Pawar Demand Resignation from Youth Wing Chief Suraj Chavan?

Mumbai, July 21 (NationPress) In light of increasing criticism from the Opposition, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Ajit Pawar has instructed the president of the state NCP youth wing, Suraj Chavan, to resign immediately due to his involvement in the violent incident against Chhava Sanghatana activists in Latur.

Chavan, along with a group of party members, allegedly assaulted activists of Chhava Sanghatana, headed by Vijaykumar Ghadge, on Sunday after they protested by throwing playing cards at NCP state president Sunil Tatkare. This protest was in response to the recent viral video showing Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate playing cards in the assembly, which many interpreted as a sign of insensitivity toward the struggles of farmers.

During a call while visiting Dharashiv and Solapur districts, Ajit Pawar sought clarification from Chavan before ordering his resignation. Pawar expressed his condemnation of the incident on X, stating, "An extremely serious and condemnable incident took place in Latur yesterday. I have given clear instructions to Suraj Chavan, the state president of the Nationalist Youth Congress, to immediately resign from his post. This strict action has been taken because behaviour that goes against the party’s values will not be tolerated under any circumstances."

He further underlined that the violent actions involving NCP office-bearers and Chhava Sanghatana activists are intolerable.

“I firmly oppose any form of violence, uncivil behavior, or unparliamentary language. We respect the just demands and sentiments of every section of society. The NCP stands for democracy, equality, and fraternity as taught by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. I appeal to all my colleagues and party workers to uphold democratic values and practice non-violence in public life,” Pawar added.

Sunil Tatkare also distanced himself from Chavan’s actions, asserting that such conduct was unacceptable.

In a video statement released on Monday morning, he apologized to the Chhava Sanghatana activists and invited them to discuss farmers' issues.

Despite the disciplinary actions taken, the incident has spurred widespread condemnation. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP accused the Ajit Pawar faction of perpetuating violence to suppress dissent.

Party MLA and general secretary Rohit Pawar posted on X, stating: “Farmers are under immense distress. If the Agriculture Minister is caught playing rummy during the Assembly session, outrage is only natural. Throwing cards at Tatkare Saheb was wrong, but what followed -- the brutal assault on protestors -- is even worse. Is this the message from the ruling coalition -- that questions will be answered with violence?”

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar also criticized the ruling coalition, noting, “The government is getting arrogant. Some beat people for complaining about food, others for raising farmers’ issues. When questioned, they lash out with violence. Is there a different set of laws for the ruling party? This is lawlessness,” he stated.

Even leaders within the Ajit Pawar faction voiced their concerns. State NCP SP women’s wing president Rohini Khadse remarked: “After Tatkare’s press conference in Latur, Chhava Sanghatana activists came to express their grievances. Instead of listening, they were brutally assaulted. Such scenes were unheard of in Maharashtra. Now, we’re witnessing a collapse of democratic norms.”

She added, in a sarcastic tone, “Thanks to the blessings of Tom, Dick, and Harry, Maharashtra is witnessing unprecedented chaos. Tomorrow, even people from UP and Bihar might say they don’t want to see a Maharashtra-like situation in their states.”

Meanwhile, the Vivekanand Police Station in Latur has filed an FIR against Suraj Chavan and nine others, with police forming two teams to locate and apprehend the suspects.