Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Maharashtra state president Sunil Tatkare on Friday, 7 August said he has no knowledge of political strategist Prashant Kishor being appointed as the party's strategist, and that Deputy Chief Minister and party national president Sunetra Pawar has not informed him of any change in the state leadership. Tatkare made the remarks at a press conference in Mumbai, distancing himself from speculation that has swirled following a series of high-level meetings.

The Meeting at the Centre of the Controversy

Tatkare's comments came in response to a six-hour-long meeting between Kishor, Sunetra Pawar, and her son, Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar — the third such meeting in the last two months. According to reports, Kishor used the meeting to advocate for an organisational overhaul of the NCP's Maharashtra unit, including a change in state leadership. He also reportedly sought to cement his future association with the Pawars as a political strategist.

'I don't want to comment on PK's meeting with Sunetra Pawar. I don't think about the same. Today, I met our leader Sunetra Pawar, where I was told about their meeting. I don't think any organisational or political issues were discussed in that meeting,' Tatkare told reporters.

Tatkare Pushes Back on Strategist Culture

The NCP Maharashtra chief was pointed in his scepticism of political strategists, drawing on his own career to make the case. 'I have spent over 40 years in practical politics. I am a practical politician and work on the ground, among people. I focus more on practicals than theory. I don't want to comment on any strategist. I don't rely on strategists in my constituency, at least,' he said.

Tatkare invoked his political lineage, noting that he had worked alongside seasoned leaders including Vasantdada Patil, A.R. Antulay, Vilasrao Deshmukh, and Sharad Pawar. 'All these leaders come from ground-level politics. I myself have canvassed the entire state at least eight times... More than any sources who lose elections, my roots count more,' he said.

He conceded, however, that strategists may have a broader role within parties on a larger canvas, while reiterating: 'I don't think he has been hired till now by my party.'

BJP Factor and Alliance Concerns

When asked whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — an alliance partner — might be uncomfortable with the NCP engaging Kishor, who has a track record of working against the BJP, Tatkare acknowledged that the concern would be legitimate if Kishor is formally appointed. He stopped short of confirming or denying any such appointment was imminent.

A Contradictory Signal from Within the Party

Notably, Agriculture Minister Dattamama Bharane struck a different tone, claiming that Kishor is already the party's advisor and that the NCP stands to benefit from his counsel. The divergence between Tatkare's denial and Bharane's assertion reflects what appears to be an internal communication gap — or a deliberate ambiguity — within the NCP over Kishor's role. With Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party active in Bihar and his strategic consultancy work drawing national attention, the party's next move on this front will be closely watched.