A power struggle has emerged within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra following a legal challenge to Sunetra Pawar's election as party president [1].
This internal conflict threatens the stability of the party's leadership structure and its relationship with the state government. The dispute centers on constitutional procedures and the distribution of key administrative powers.
At the heart of the tension is a demand to return the state Finance portfolio to Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar [2]. Jay Pawar said Sunetra will get the finance portfolio from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis [3]. This demand comes as the party faces legal notices regarding the legitimacy of her role as president [1].
Amidst the turmoil, senior leaders are attempting to reassert their influence. Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare have reasserted their clout in the party amid the leadership tussle [4]. Patel has also held meetings with Chief Minister Fadnavis as speculation of political realignments grows [4].
Further complicating the internal dynamics is the selection of Rajendra Jain for a Rajya Sabha seat previously held by Sunetra Pawar [5]. Jain is a two-term Member of Legislative Council and an aide to Praful Patel [5].
Not all leaders agree that the party is in crisis. Sunil Tatkare said the claims of a widening rift were "baseless" [1]. Despite these denials, the intersection of legal challenges and portfolio disputes suggests a deepening divide between the party's various factions.
“Sunetra will get the finance portfolio from Fadnavis”
The friction within the NCP reflects a broader struggle for control over both party machinery and state resources. By challenging the presidency and fighting over the finance portfolio, different factions are testing their leverage within the ruling coalition. The involvement of senior leaders like Praful Patel and their coordination with Chief Minister Fadnavis suggests that the resolution of this rift may depend more on external government negotiations than internal party consensus.
