Maharashtra NCP Chief Sunil Tatkare Accuses Rivals of Intrusion
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, March 25 (NationPress) In a forceful verbal assault, Sunil Tatkare, the President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra and Member of Parliament, criticized political adversaries who are allegedly attempting to meddle in party matters, labeling them as "scavengers" with ulterior motives to take control.
Tatkare's comments came in response to statements made by NCP SP legislator Rohit Pawar, who suggested that Tatkare and Praful Patel were trying to claim leadership of the Nationalist Congress Party following the unexpected death of Ajit Pawar.
He further alleged that a faction of leaders had reached out to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to propose amendments to the party constitution, aimed at consolidating extensive powers in a "working president." He mentioned that Sunetra Pawar subsequently communicated with the election authority to disregard such proposals during the transition period after Ajit Pawar’s passing.
Tatkare staunchly defended Sunetra Pawar's appointment as party president, asserting that the "thirst for power" from outsiders surged immediately after her assumption of the role.
He rejected the notion that the party or its symbol had been "stolen" during their alignment with the NDA, describing those claims as "filthy and unfounded."
Tatkare accused specific individuals of being so desperate to marginalize the Pawar family that they began discussing mergers on the very day of Ajit Dada’s demise. He remarked, "These individuals are afflicted by a 'jaundice of hatred' towards Dada’s family, yet they now feign concern over our party's internal matters."
Additionally, Tatkare highlighted discrepancies within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), questioning why some leaders chose to boycott a dinner hosted by Sharad Pawar. He stated, "When only three out of ten MLAs attend your own event, it’s time for introspection. Why this sudden fixation on Sunetra Vahini, Parth, or Jay Pawar? It’s obvious that when political survival is at stake, some resort to such publicity stunts.”
He did not hold back, reminding everyone of past internal conflicts where the same "gentlemen" had called for the ousting of veteran leaders such as Jayant Patil during the Shirdi convention.
Tatkare concluded by reaffirming that the entire leadership, including himself and Praful Patel, remains united under Sunetra Pawar’s guidance. He cautioned that the public would ultimately foil any "conspiracies" aimed at destabilizing the party.