Mumbai, April 2 Amid allegations that Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare attempted to seize control of the NCP after the death of then Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his son Parth Pawar said on Thursday that the reports targeting the two senior leaders were "baseless and speculative".
He described such narratives as "pure fiction" and claimed that attempts were being made to drag these respected leaders into "manufactured controversies".
Parth said that Patel and Tatkare have demonstrated decades of commitment and leadership, which continue to guide the party. He added, "Such unfounded allegations are deeply unfortunate and must be called out."
Parth's statement came amid speculation that his mother, Sunetra Pawar, and Deputy Chief Minister, was upset with Patel and Tatkare.
NCP 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 sources, Sunetra Pawar was not convinced by the clarification provided by Patel and Tatkare regarding a letter sent to the ECI before she took over as party chief.
Parth claimed that Patel and Tatkare had written to the ECI on February 16, informing that the party constitution had been amended and all powers given to working president Praful Patel.
Meanwhile, a four-page letter purportedly written by Sunetra Pawar informing the ECI about her appointment as party president 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 that she was still a member of the Rajya Sabha and attended Parliament as Thursday was the last day of the Budget session.
