Mumbai, May 21: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, has refuted media reports claiming that 22 of its legislators are in contact with Sharad Pawar’s faction. The party labeled these reports as completely false and misleading.
Party spokesperson Umesh Patil addressed journalists, stating that not a single legislator is in touch with Sharad Pawar’s party, nor has any legislator met him for political purposes.
Patil clarified that last week, state president and MP Sunil Tatkare met Sharad Pawar solely for a courtesy visit to inquire about his health. Tatkare himself had made this clear to the media after their meeting.
Following these reports, it was alleged that 22 NCP legislators were planning to join Sharad Pawar’s faction. Patil, alongside party legislators Sanjay Bansode and Pratap Patil Chikhlikar, asserted that the party remains united under Ajit Pawar’s leadership.
He stated, “It is highly inappropriate to circulate news about ruling party legislators switching sides without any solid evidence.” He questioned whether media outlets possess any proof that 22 legislators met with Sharad Pawar.
This press conference was convened to prevent any misunderstandings among legislators due to the ongoing rumors.
Patil further emphasized that the NCP operates on democratic values. He remarked, “Everyone in the NCP has the freedom to express their opinions and meet whomever they choose. There is no restriction on our legislators regarding whom they meet or where they go, but a section of the media is deliberately spreading false narratives.”
Highlighting the party’s growing strength, Patil mentioned the recent political joinings. He noted, “Today, Prabodh Dawkhar, son of the late leader Vasant Dawkhar, joined the NCP. Many more workers, officials, and leaders are interested in joining our party.”
Patil urged the media to refrain from spreading rumors without confirmation and to ensure thorough investigation before reporting news. He also mentioned that the party has not yet sent a new letter to the Election Commission to correct errors regarding the names of senior leaders in the national executive, including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Dilip Walse Patil.
He confirmed that both Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare continue to hold their respective positions as national executive president and Maharashtra state president.
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