The Nationalist Congress Party’s decision to seek resignations of its ministers en bloc has rattled party ranks. The Kamaraj pattern of resignations implemented by party chief Sharad Pawar was an exercise to effect changes long overdue. The famous 1963 model saw as many as six Congress chief ministers and six Union ministers resign to work for the party, after INC’s K Kamaraj, with the approval of then Prime Minister Nehru, said senior leaders needed to work with the younger lot.

However, NCP, which is going to celebrate its 14th foundation day, was unable to drop selected faces from its quota of ministers, since more than one is involved in controversies. The party had been trying to convince Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan for a complete overhaul of the state cabinet but failed because of the Congress’ reluctance to effect changes from its quota. Obtaining the mass exit can easily be termed the best Machiavellian scheme implemented by Sharad Pawar, who has been a central figure in state politics since 1978, when he first became chief minister. The party wants to drop certain faces so it can pump in young blood to avoid political setbacks.