Tensions have surfaced within the Nationalist Congress Party. A meeting between Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and state chief Sunil Tatkare on Wednesday ended unhappily after she asked why she had not been informed beforehand about Tatkare and senior leader Praful Patel’s late-night discussion with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday. On Tuesday night, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Jayant Patil met Fadnavis at his Mumbai residence amid speculation that the party might support the BJP-led NDA on the Delimitation Bill or even join the government. Tatkare and Patel also attended. The gathering prompted talk of possible reconciliation between the two NCP factions that split in 2023. Sources said Sunetra expressed displeasure at being excluded from advance notice. Tatkare explained that he and Patel met Fadnavis after learning the other NCP faction might back the bill, aiming to avoid miscommunication. He denied any rift, stating he maintains a good relationship with Sunetra. The party appears divided, with one group supporting the Pawars in power and another feeling sidelined by the rise of Parth Pawar. The NCP has chosen not to reply to a legal notice challenging Sunetra’s appointment as national president. Internal disputes have delayed key appointments, including leadership for youth and women’s wings, and progress on the finance portfolio. The unrest has continued since Ajit Pawar’s death earlier this year.
