Mumbai: Parth Pawar dismisses ‘takeover bid’ claims against Patel, Tatkare as baseless

Parth Pawar. File Pic

Amid allegations that Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare attempted to take over the NCP following the death of then Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his son Parth Pawar on Thursday dismissed the reports targeting the two senior leaders as "baseless and speculative", news agency PTI reported.

Such narratives were "nothing but fiction", he said in a statement, claiming that attempts were being made to drag these respected leaders into "manufactured controversies". Patel and Tatkare have demonstrated decades of commitment and leadership that continue to guide the party, Parth said, adding, "Such unfounded allegations are deeply unfortunate and must be called out."

Parth's statement came amid speculation that his mother and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar was upset with Patel and Tatkare.

Rohit Pawar claims Sunetra informed ECI of her appointment as party chief

NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar claimed last week that Sunetra Pawar had written to the Election Commission of India on March 10, informing the poll body about her appointment as party president and stating that any earlier communication received from the party after her husband Ajit Pawar's death in an air crash on January 28 should be ignored.

According to political grapevine, Sunetra Pawar was not convinced by the clarification Patel and Tatkare gave regarding a letter sent to the ECI before she took over as party chief.

Rohit Pawar alleges Patel, Tatkare sought control through ECI communication

Patel and Tatkare had written to the ECI on February 16, informing it that the party constitution had been amended and that all powers had been given to working president Praful Patel, Rohit Pawar claimed, alleging that they were trying to seize control of the party.

Meanwhile, the four-page letter purportedly written by Sunetra Pawar informing the ECI about her appointment as party chief has surfaced on social media. Tatkare and Patel are mentioned in the letter without any designations, leading to speculation about their status in the organisation.

NCP spokespersons did not respond to calls seeking comment on the letter.

Notably, Sunetra Pawar visited Delhi on Thursday, and the absence of Patel and Tatkare with her raised eyebrows. A senior party leader said she is still a member of the Rajya Sabha and attended Parliament, as Thursday was the last day of the Budget session.

(With PTI inputs)