Mumbai, March 29 Maharashtra NCP minister Aditi Tatkare apologized on Sunday for the conspicuous absence of photographs of former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar from a banner at a party event in Raigad recently.
A felicitation ceremony for the newly-elected members of the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti was organized in Indapur, Raigad district, on March 27 in the minister's constituency, and was attended by her father and state NCP president Sunil Tatkare.
Two NCP (SP) legislators, led by Sharad Pawar, pointed out on Sunday that the photos of Ajit Pawar and Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar were missing from the banner put up on the stage.
The banner featured photos of Sunil Tatkare, Aditi Tatkare, and her brother Aniket Tatkare.
"I apologize for the absence of the photos of Ajit Dada and Sunetra Kaki on the banner at the gram panchayat level event. They hold a special place in our hearts," Aditi said in a statement.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, who raised the issue of the missing photos, recently alleged that Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel were trying to wrest control of the NCP from his aunt Sunetra Pawar.
The NCP leaders had dismissed the claim as "crocodile tears", and advised Rohit Pawar to "concentrate on his own party".