MUMBAI: The simmering tensions within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) came into the open on Friday after a senior party office-bearer urged Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to recommend Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar for a berth in the next expansion of the Union Cabinet. NCP vice-president Udaykumar Aher alleged that some leaders within the party had been trying to “systematically” end Parth Pawar’s political career.
His letter, dated July 13, surfaced days after Parth Pawar met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, fuelling speculation over political developments within the ruling alliance.
Parth Pawar’’s meeting assumes significance as it follows Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare and senior leader Praful Patel’s meeting with Mr Fadnavis on Tuesday night in the presence of NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil.
In the letter, Mr Aher alleged that some leaders had sought to create the impression that Parth Pawar lacked the ability to serve either the party or the public. “In the past, certain people in the party systematically tried to end Parth Dada’s political career and this is an open secret. Therefore, we should give him an opportunity in the Union Cabinet to prove his capability, providing a befitting reply to those making allegations and spreading misconceptions,” the letter said.
Mr Aher argued that the 38-year-old leader should be given an opportunity to prove his abilities and counter the criticism directed at him. He also claimed that an impression had been deliberately cultivated over the years that Parth Pawar lacked political maturity.
Referring to the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Mr Aher claimed a deliberate campaign had been launched to tarnish Parth Pawar’s political image. “Following the 2019 Lok Sabha election, a concerted effort was made to belittle Parth Pawar and lower his morale. I had repeatedly discussed the issue with Ajit Pawar, who agreed that Parth should be given a bigger opportunity,” he wrote.
The letter has intensified speculation over differences within the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, particularly at a time when senior leaders from both NCP factions have met the Chief Minister, prompting discussions over possible political realignments.
Meanwhile, sources claimed that the BJP’s central leadership has conveyed to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) that if it wishes to join the NDA at the Centre and in Maharashtra, it should merge with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
“The BJP’s central leadership wants only one NCP as its ally. The NCP (SP) has been offered the option of merging with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP if it wants to join the NDA,” a Mahayuti insider said.
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