Internal Conflicts Emerge in NCP Following New Leadership Appointment

Political Turmoil in Maharashtra's NCP

The political landscape in Maharashtra is witnessing renewed tensions within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Following the election of Sunetra Pawar, the wife of the late Ajit Pawar, as the new national president, internal strife has intensified. A senior party member has openly challenged the legitimacy of this election process, labeling it entirely 'unconstitutional' and demanding a fresh election within 15 days.

Details of the Dispute

NCP's national secretary, Sachchidanand Singh, has taken a stand against Sunetra Pawar's election. He has sent a legal notice to the party's top leadership via a prominent law firm in Delhi, asserting that the election held on February 26 of this year was unconstitutional. Singh is calling for it to be declared 'invalid, null, and ineffective' immediately.

Allegations Against the Election Process

The notice, addressed to Sunetra Pawar, national executive president Praful Patel, and general secretary Brijmohan Srivastava, claims that the election process commenced without adhering to the mandatory provisions of the NCP's constitution and without proper notification to representatives and officials.

Background of the Controversy

The legal dispute arose following Ajit Pawar's death on January 28. According to Singh, the party submitted a revised constitution to the Election Commission on February 17, which granted Praful Patel all powers of the president until a new leader was elected.

Challenging the Authority of the Meeting

Singh argues that under the revised constitution, only Praful Patel had the authority to convene a national executive meeting. He questions how Brijmohan Srivastava was able to call a meeting on February 26. Singh also claims that the letter sent to the Election Commission to convene the national executive meeting was not approved by the executive members at that time, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the subsequent elections.

Demands for New Elections

The notice asserts that no properly constituted central election authority, returning officer, or election calendar was established according to the party's constitution. Delegates were not given the opportunity to nominate candidates, contest elections, or vote.

Singh has requested the withdrawal of communications sent to the Election Commission on February 28, March 10, and April 29, which mentioned elections and officials. He is also demanding that new organizational elections be conducted under an independent election authority.

Response from NCP

The party leadership has been given 15 days to comply with these demands. Failure to do so may lead Singh to pursue further legal action. In response, NCP spokesperson Suraj Chavan stated that Singh was present at the national convention on February 26 and voted in favor of Sunetra Pawar, emphasizing that all rules were followed during her election.