NCP feud intensifies: Rohit Pawar slams rival faction after Sunetra Pawar’s appointment

Rohit Pawar meets Raj Thackeary seeking support for the Ajit Pawar plane crash probe. Pic/By Special Arrangement

The political rift within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) deepened on Friday as a fresh war of words broke out between the two rival factions. NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar launched a sharp attack on senior leaders from the opposing camp, saying those who believe they can control Sunetra Pawar have the wrong impression.

A day after DCM Sunetra Pawar was appointed national president of the NCP, Rohit drew a direct comparison between his uncle, Ajit, and his aunt, Sunetra.

(From Left) MLAs Devyani Pharande, Monika Rajiv Rajale, Namita Mundada, Pankaja Munde (Minister of Environment & Climate Change, Animal Husbandry,), Manisha Chaudhary, Vidya Thakur, Manda Mhatre, Seema Hiray pose for a selfie in the Assembly premises at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai on Friday. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

‘Strong like Ajit-dada'

Taking a dig at senior leaders from Ajit Pawar camp, Rohit said everyone knew it wasn't possible to control Ajit. However, after his death, he claimed, three to four leaders appear to be trying to influence Sunetra. "Sunetra-kaki is a strong personality capable of running party on her own. Those who are dreaming about controlling her will soon understand her leadership qualities," Rohit said.

Friction escalates

On Thursday, NCP leader Praful Patel said that others should not teach them how to manage and run the party. His remarks were interpreted by many as an indirect reference to Rohit and a few other leaders from the NCP-SP faction.

Jan 28
Day Dy CM Ajit Pawar died in Baramati plane crash

Ajit's death led to friction

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. Even before his death, there had been discussions about a possible merger between the two NCP factions. After his death, the issue turned into a fresh point of conflict between leaders of both camps. While Sharad Pawar suggested that Ajit had expressed a desire to reunite the party, leaders from the latter's faction rejected the claim.

More than capable

On Thursday, after being elected national president of the NCP, Sunetra Pawar said in her speech, "I spent 40 years of my life with Ajit Pawar." Her remark was seen as a clear indication that she considers herself capable of handling party matters firmly.

Rohit Pawar meets Raj Thackeray

NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar met MNS chief Raj Thackeray in Mumbai on Friday to discuss concerns over the plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar on January 28. After the meeting at Shivaji Park, Rohit said he shared his doubts about the incident and the investigation, and claimed that the MNS chief assured him support, saying the issue was about "justice for a Marathi leader". According to media reports, Raj is said to have asserted that Sunetra Pawar, too, should speak about the plane crash mishap.

Demand for deeper probe

Rohit Pawar has been demanding a deeper probe and an FIR against the aircraft operator - VSR Aviation - especially after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) grounded its planes. However, police have declined to file an FIR, stating that the CID is already investigating the case as an accidental death. Rohit argues that the matter now requires a broader probe into the company and other serious concerns. Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, too, sought a CBI inquiry, while Rohit has called for an investigation by Indian and international agencies under independent monitoring.