In the midst of mounting tensions within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as both factions prepare to state their cases before the Election Commission of India, Rajya Sabha member Praful Patel, aligning himself with the Ajit Pawar faction, shared a significant photograph with NCP founder Sharad Pawar inside the newly constructed Parliament building.
The gesture of Praful Patel garnered praise from the Sharad Pawar group, which described it as an act of magnanimity by the octogenarian leader.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has acknowledged the divided nature of the NCP and has summoned both factions to present their arguments during a hearing scheduled for October 6.
Sharing his sentiments about the moment, Patel conveyed, “An electrifying day at the new Parliament House! The Rajya Sabha Chamber is a marvel, and sharing this moment with Hon’ble Sharad Pawar Saheb makes it even more special. And now, savouring some snacks and camaraderie with friends in the cafeteria – truly a day to remember!”
Praful Patel is part of the rebel NCP group led by Ajit Pawar, which forged an alliance with the ruling coalition comprising the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and BJP in Maharashtra in July. This faction has designated Ajit Pawar as its national president, thereby displacing Sharad Pawar from that position. Additionally, they have formally approached the Election Commission, asserting their claim over the NCP name and symbol. In response to Patel’s social media post, Clyde Crasto, the national spokesperson of the Sharad Pawar group, emphasized that Sharad Pawar is an eminent figure in Indian politics and commands respect across the spectrum. He stated, “People from all walks of life feel honoured to take a picture with him, and Mr. Pawar humbly reciprocates. Since Praful Patel is a co-Parliamentarian, and the occasion was the opening of the new Parliament building, Pawar Saheb graciously posed for a photograph at Mr. Patel’s request.”
Crasto further characterized this act as a magnanimous gesture on Sharad Pawar’s part, highlighting the maturity exhibited by the veteran leader. Despite the ongoing dispute, senior leaders from both NCP factions have maintained that there is no formal split within the party. Jayant Patil, the Maharashtra unit chief of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, expressed dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s handling of their case, asserting, “It is unfair on the part of the Election Commission of India to treat our case as a dispute within a political party when we have consistently maintained that there is no split.”