Supriya Sule, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), criticized the Maharashtra assembly speaker's decision favoring Ajit Pawar's faction as the real NCP, calling it a "copy-paste" of his ruling in the Shiv Sena case and alleging external influence. Other NCP leaders expressed discontent, while Shiv Sena's Aaditya Thackeray and NCP veteran Chhagan Bhujbal also criticized the decision. The ruling has sparked controversy and dissatisfaction among various political figures in Maharashtra.
Former Congress leader Baba Siddique joined the NCP, criticizing his former party and likening his treatment to "curry leaves." His departure marks a significant blow to the Congress, where he had been a member for 48 years. Siddique's decision follows the recognition of the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP by the Election Commission, ending a factional fight within the party. His son, a Congress MLA, will make his own decision regarding party affiliation.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to discuss the way forward for the opposition in India and Maharashtra, as well as alliance-related issues. The discussions focused on strategy for national polls and for Maharashtra, where a post-split NCP will be part of the alliance with Shiv Sena and Congress. They also discussed the next INDIA meeting and the need to start joint rallies for the national campaign.
Supriya Sule, the newly appointed Working President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), spoke to The Quint about her party's stance on various issues, including the recent resignation bid of party supremo Sharad Pawar, the road to the 2024 elections, the wrestlers' protests, and more. Sule criticized the BJP government for its handling of price rise, unemployment, and communal divide, and expressed confidence that the BJP's numbers will go down in the upcoming elections. She also condemned the ill-treatment of wrestlers by the police and the government's insensitivity towards the issue.
Sharad Pawar, the founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), announced his resignation as party chief at a book launch event in Mumbai, citing the need for new leadership. However, after a day-long clamour from party leaders and activists, Pawar agreed to reconsider his decision. His nephew, Ajit Pawar, said the NCP chief would take a final call in "2-3 days". Pawar's announcement came less than a fortnight after his daughter and MP Supriya Sule suggested there would be “two political explosions in 15 days, one in Delhi and the other in Maharashtra.”
Sharad Pawar's sudden resignation as NCP chief has surprised his party and allies in Maharashtra, leading to speculation about his nephew and political heir Ajit Pawar potentially splitting the party and joining hands with the BJP. However, sources believe Sharad Pawar could appoint a working president and continue as chief of the party. With his resignation shocker, Sharad Pawar has once again shown that he has complete control over the party, a message that had to go at a time there are rumours about his nephew trying to organise defections. The outcome of the NCP crisis could have a much bigger impact on national politics.
Sharad Pawar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo, announced his resignation as party president, triggering protests by hundreds of NCP workers and leaders. However, he later agreed to rethink his decision upon insistence by top party leaders. Pawar recommended that a committee of NCP members be formed to decide on the election of the vacancy in the president's post. With Pawar resigning from the post after being at the helm for 24 years, the focus will now shift to the new generation leaders in the party. There is speculation that he could emerge as the joint opposition candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
