Mumbai, Feb 2 (NationPress) Just days after Sunetra Pawar took her oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, more than 30 distinct cells of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have sent a formal request to the party's Working President Praful Patel and State President Sunil Tatkare, urging that she be appointed as the National President of the party, a position previously held by her late husband, Ajit Pawar.

The letter highlights, "The demise of the esteemed Ajit Dada Pawar, a cornerstone and visionary leader of the NCP, has plunged the party into profound sorrow. During these challenging times, the party is in dire need of a leader who is strong, calm, and adept at maintaining unity among all members.

Sunetra Ajit Pawar Vahini has demonstrated her dedication to both the party and Maharashtra by stepping into the role of Deputy Chief Minister amidst significant challenges.

The letter, endorsed by the leaders of all NCP cells, states, "In light of her experience, unwavering loyalty to the party, and deep affection for our workers, we — the State Presidents of various NCP cells — strongly believe she is the ideal candidate for the role of National President of the NCP."

Furthermore, the letter adds, "Thus, we, the Presidents and office-bearers of different cells within the Nationalist Congress Party, collectively and respectfully urge that Hon. Sunetra Ajit Pawar Vahini be appointed as the National President. We trust that you will regard this request favorably."

Babasaheb Patil, chief of the party's cultural cell, mentioned, "I have engaged in discussions with the leaders of various party cells and collectively decided to draft a letter advocating for Sunetra Tai to be appointed as our party's National President."

The letter includes signatures from presidents of all party cells, including youth, students, and cultural organizations, except for Rupali Chakankar, who leads the women's wing and also serves as the chairperson of the State Women's Commission.

When questioned about her absence from the letter, Patil explained, "The letter bears the signatures of all whom I managed to connect with. I'm confident she shares a similar viewpoint."

The demand for Sunetra Pawar to be appointed as National President follows Praful Patel's clear denial of any reports suggesting his own appointment to that role.

Patel rejected these claims as unfounded. In a message posted on X, he clarified that no such decision had been made.

"I have observed certain reports circulating in the media regarding my appointment as the National President of the Nationalist Congress Party. I want to clarify that these reports are entirely baseless and devoid of truth," he stated in his post.