| 03 July 2023
In a surprising turn of events, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra took strict action against several party members after they attended the oath-taking ceremony of newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The NCP expelled three prominent leaders, disqualified nine MLAs, and sought the disqualification of two Lok Sabha members for their alleged anti-party activities.
The expelled leaders, Shivaji Rao Garje, Vijay Deshmukh, and Narendra Rane, held key positions within the party. Shivaji Rao Garje served as the regional general secretary, Vijay Deshmukh as the Akola City District President, and Narendra Rane as the working president of the party's Mumbai division. The NCP released a statement clarifying that their actions were in direct violation of party discipline and policy, leading to their immediate dismissal from both party membership and their respective posts.
Simultaneously, the NCP's State Disciple Committee took a resolution to disqualify nine MLAs for their alleged participation in anti-party activities. The committee cited their secretive defections without the knowledge or consent of the party president as evidence of desertion, which consequently warranted disqualification. The NCP's decision to expel party leaders and disqualify MLAs underscores the party's commitment to maintaining internal discipline and unity.
Adding to the party's list of disqualification requests, NCP working President Supriya Sule penned an official letter addressed to NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, urging the disqualification of two Lok Sabha members, Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel. Sule accused Tatkare and Patel of acting against the Party Constitution and Rules, thereby constituting desertion and engaging in anti-party activities. She implored Pawar to take immediate action and initiate disqualification petitions against them under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution of India.
These developments within the NCP come shortly after Ajit Pawar's oath-taking ceremony, which evidently triggered a significant response from the party's leadership. The NCP, a prominent political force in Maharashtra, has been known for its internal party discipline, and these actions reflect the party's resolve to maintain unity and adherence to its policies.
As the NCP moves forward with its decision to expel leaders, disqualify MLAs, and seek disqualification of Lok Sabha members, it remains to be seen how this episode will impact the party's internal dynamics and future political landscape in Maharashtra. The fallout from these actions may have wider implications for the NCP and its ability to maintain a united front in the face of challenges and political maneuvering within the state.
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