Saamana Flags NCP Turmoil, Says Party Now Driven by ‘Fadnavis Engine’

MUMBAI, Feb 2: The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has expressed serious concerns over the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) direction following the swearing in of Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister.

In an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray faction described the NCP as a “boat without a navigator,” suggesting the party is now being steered by an engine controlled externally. The piece linked the appointment to political manoeuvres by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, asserting that Sunetra Pawar took oath before the mourning period for Ajit Pawar, whose death had left a leadership void.

The editorial highlighted internal tensions within the party, noting a power struggle between leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. It cited NCP minister Hasan Mushrif’s remark that the swift elevation aimed to prevent MLAs and party workers from drifting away. However, Saamana questioned the haste, saying the celebratory ceremony contradicted the “Sanatani” values the BJP claims to uphold.

Sharad Pawar, according to the piece, responded cautiously, acknowledging the leadership transition while noting that the party is currently managed by senior figures like Patel and Tatkare.

Looking ahead, the editorial framed the 2029 Assembly elections as Sunetra Pawar’s true test. It emphasized that to avoid being a “ceremonial” leader, she must demonstrate independence, leadership, and public engagement qualities associated with Ajit Pawar.

The piece concluded on a stark note: “Mourning periods come and go. Politics never stops even if it has become truly wretched.”