NCP United, Says Sunil Tatkare

Maharashtra unit president and MP Sunil Tatkare on Thursday rejected speculation over internal differences within the Nationalist Congress Party, stating that the party remains united.

Tatkare addressed a press conference, where he dismissed reports suggesting that National President Sunetra Pawar was unaware of his recent meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The meeting had fuelled political speculation after reports claimed Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar had not been informed.

Tatkare clarified that Sunetra Pawar is regularly briefed on all political developments and enjoys seamless communication with the party leadership. He said there was no question of her seeking any explanation regarding the meeting.

The meeting, attended by senior party leader Praful Patel, was purely administrative and related to development works in Tatkare's parliamentary constituency. Tatkare stressed that not every meeting with the Chief Minister should be viewed through a political lens.

Tatkare also rejected reports claiming that NCP leader Jayant Patil had attended the meeting to discuss political realignment or ministerial portfolios. He said Patil had visited the Chief Minister independently.

The party leadership, including Tatkare, Parth Pawar, and Praful Patel, will meet in Delhi this Sunday to discuss the legal response to a notice issued by former national secretary Sachidanand Singh.

Tatkare also announced that the party would soon appoint office-bearers for its vacant youth, women's, and Mumbai organisational posts.

The NCP's stance on the proposed Delimitation Bill is also being closely watched. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the Opposition parties will resist the bill, but if the government incorporates amendments suggested by them, then they will reconsider.

Nationalist Congress Party working president Supriya Sule said if the Delimitation Bill is based on a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats across all states, there would be little reason to oppose it. However, any decision on supporting such a proposal would be taken only after discussions within the Opposition INDIA bloc.

The NCP's unity and stance on key issues will be crucial in the coming days, as the party navigates the complex landscape of Maharashtra politics.

The meeting between Tatkare and Fadnavis, as well as the party's discussions on the Delimitation Bill, highlight the ongoing efforts by the NCP to balance its relationships with other parties while maintaining its own unity and strength.

In the end, Tatkare's assertion that the NCP is united and his clarification on the meeting with Fadnavis aim to reassure the party's supporters and allies that it remains a strong and cohesive force in Maharashtra politics.