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Praful Patel Denies NCP President Rumors, Leadership Speculation Swirls

NCP working president Praful Patel has firmly denied media reports claiming his appointment as the party's national president, labeling them as baseless and factually incorrect. The rumors originated from a statement by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who later retracted it, apologizing for sharing unverified information. The incident has unfolded amid intense speculation over the NCP's leadership following the sudden passing of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Meanwhile, a group of NCP legislators is campaigning for Sunetra Pawar to be appointed national president, and MNS chief Raj Thackeray has weighed in on the desired profile for the role.

Key Points: Praful Patel Denies NCP President Appointment Reports

  • Patel denies presidential appointment reports
  • Piyush Goyal retracts statement citing misinformation
  • Leadership speculation after Ajit Pawar's death
  • Legislators campaign for Sunetra Pawar
  • Raj Thackeray comments on NCP leadership
2 min read

NCP runs on democratic principles, claims Praful Patel

NCP's Praful Patel calls reports of his appointment as national president "baseless," as leadership speculation continues following Ajit Pawar's passing.

"The Nationalist Congress Party functions on democratic principles - Praful Patel"

Mumbai, Feb 1

The NCP Working President Praful Patel on Sunday clarified that news reports claiming his appointment as the National President are completely "baseless" and "factually incorrect".

"The Nationalist Congress Party functions on democratic principles, and any decision of this nature would be taken only after due consultation with senior leaders, MLAs, office-bearers, and by respecting the collective will and sentiments of all party members. As a national party, the NCP strictly follows established procedures in such matters," Patel claimed in his X post.

The trigger for Patel to issue the clarification was the news report quoting the Union Minister Piyush Goyal's statement about the former's appointment as the NCP national president.

Goyal's initial statement caused a stir, suggesting a lack of coordination within the Mahayuti alliance or hidden internal movements.

However, after Patel issued a clarification, Minister Goyal, in his post on X, said, "A senior journalist had given me incorrect information that Shri Praful Patel has been elected as the president of the Nationalist Congress Party. Without verifying the information, I had given some statements in the media, but later it came to light that the information was wrong, and the Nationalist Congress Party is continuing to work under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Smt Sunetra Ajitdada Pawar. I express my regret for the misleading information."

Following the sudden passing of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, there has been intense speculation regarding the NCP's leadership.

A group of NCP legislators has launched a signature campaign after the conclusion of the legislature party meeting held on Saturday, demanding that Sunetra Pawar, who took the oath as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, should be appointed the national president.

Earlier, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray said that Maharashtra's politics has undergone a complete upheaval in the recent past.

"Honestly, one doesn't even feel like commenting on it. But still, one will have to speak on the events unfolding throughout the day. A party like the Nationalist Congress Party, which is truly rooted in Marathi soil, and its working president should be a proper Marathi person, a Patil perhaps, but not a Patel."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Praful Patel's clarification was necessary, but Raj Thackeray's comment is disappointing. Why bring caste and region into this? A leader should be chosen on merit and the party's consensus, not just because they are a 'Patil'. We need to move beyond such divisive politics. 🤦‍♀️
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Michael C
Interesting to see how this unfolds. The signature campaign by MLAs shows internal democracy at work. Goyal's quick retraction and apology is a good precedent - more politicians should correct misinformation promptly.
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Priyanka N
As a Maharashtrian, I find Thackeray's statement narrow-minded. The NCP has always had pan-India aspirations. Sunetra tai becoming the first woman Deputy CM is history itself! Let the party decide democratically, as Patel said. The focus should be on her work, not her surname.
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Aman W
The whole episode shows how rumours spread like wildfire in our political ecosystem. Senior journalists and ministers should double-check facts before speaking. Respect to Patel for handling it calmly and sticking to party procedure.
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Kriti O
While I appreciate the democratic principles, the timing feels off. The party is in mourning. This public speculation and campaigning, even by allies like Goyal, seems disrespectful to Ajit Pawar's legacy. Let there be some quiet dignity in the process.

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