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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, accompanied by her elder son Parth, met senior party leader Praful Patel at his residence in New Delhi, a party spokesperson said on Friday, reported PTI

The meeting took place on Thursday night amid the speculations of controlling the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after the death of former party chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, the spokesperson added.

Parth Pawar denounces speculation

The meeting assumes significance as Parth Pawar on Thursday described reports targeting Praful Patel, NCP`s working president, and Sunil Tatkare, the party’s Maharashtra unit chief, as “unfounded and speculative,” the PTI reported. 

The reports had suggested that they tried to take over the party following the death of then Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. 

Parth`s statement came amid speculation that Sunetra Pawar was upset with Patel and Tatkare.

MLA Rohit Pawar highlights ECI letter

NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar had claimed last week that Sunetra Pawar wrote to the Election Commission of India on March 10, informing the poll body about her appointment as party president and stating that any earlier communications received from the party after her husband Ajit Pawar`s death should be ignored.

Clarifications on party control dispute

According to political sources, Sunetra Pawar was not convinced by the clarification provided by Patel and Tatkare regarding the letter sent to the ECI before she assumed charge as party chief. Patel and Tatkare had written to the ECI on February 16, stating that the party constitution had been amended and all powers were given to working president Praful Patel, Rohit Pawar alleged, claiming they were attempting to seize control of the party.

Official confirmation of the meeting

NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjpe confirmed that Sunetra Pawar, Parth, and Patel met on Thursday night at Patel’s residence in the national capital.

Next generation steps into politics

While Parth has recently been elected as a Rajya Sabha member, the NCP has inducted his younger brother Jay Pawar into the party`s apex committee, marking his formal entry into politics.

Sunetra Pawar’s recent appointments

Sunetra Pawar, who took oath as the deputy CM of Maharashtra on January 31, was unanimously elected as party president on February 26.

(With PTI inputs)