03-07-2023 : On Monday, a significant political development unfolded in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as its chief, Sharad Pawar, expelled two prominent leaders, Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel, from the party for alleged “anti-party activities.” The expulsion came in the aftermath of an event at the Raj Bhavan, where Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar’s nephew, was sworn in as the second Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra after switching sides and joining the Eknath Shinde-led government.
Supriya Sule, the NCP Working President and daughter of Sharad Pawar, had written to her father, requesting the removal of Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel from the party following their presence at the Raj Bhavan ceremony. Responding to the call, Sharad Pawar, in a tweet, officially announced their expulsion from the NCP, asserting his authority as the National President.
In the wake of Ajit Pawar’s rebellion and defection to the ruling government, Sharad Pawar addressed a press conference in Satara district, Western Maharashtra, where he declared his intention to undertake a statewide tour to strengthen the NCP and boost the morale of its workers. He brushed off the actions of a few leaders and emphasized the need to fight against forces attempting to create communal divisions in Maharashtra and the country.
Sharad Pawar expressed concern over defections within his party, attributing them to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s tactics to weaken other political entities. He called for the protection of democracy and unity among peace-loving citizens. The seasoned politician vowed to stand up to the divisive tendencies and create a system that prioritizes the interests of the common people.
I, as the National President, Nationalist Congress Party hereby order removal of the names of Shri Sunil Tatkare and Shri Praful Patel from the Register of Members of NCP Party for anti-party activities.@praful_patel @SunilTatkare
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) July 3, 2023
He referred to the 2022 Shiv Sena rebellion and highlighted the need for unity among the opposition parties, especially the Congress, which had claimed the position of Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly after Ajit Pawar’s defection. Despite the ongoing political turmoil, Sharad Pawar maintained that he does not engage in politics driven by personal grudges.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, with claims of support from both the NCP and the BJP, Sharad Pawar stated that he would leave the decision on disqualification of Ajit Pawar and other party members who switched allegiances to Jayant Patil, the state NCP president.
Amidst these developments, Sharad Pawar’s visit to the memorial of his mentor, Yashwantrao Chavan, on the occasion of Guru Purnima, was seen as a show of strength by the veteran leader. Thousands of supporters gathered to welcome him in Karad, demonstrating their unwavering support.
The expulsion of prominent leaders from the NCP and the subsequent political developments have caused ripples in Maharashtra’s political landscape. As Sharad Pawar embarks on his statewide tour to galvanize the party and counter divisive forces, the dynamics of Maharashtra’s political scene are likely to witness further shifts and alliances.