MUMBAI: NCP's internal war has come out in the open, with NCP state unit vice president Uday Kumar Aher writing a letter to Deputy Chief Minister and NCP national president Sunetra Pawar, alleging a conspiracy to end the political career of Parth Pawar and demanding that he be inducted into the Union Cabinet to send a positive message to the youth of the country.
The letter targets NCP state unit president Sunil Tatkare and NCP working president Praful Patel, referring to both as "Anaji Pant", a villainous figure in Maratha history known for his crooked nature.
The letter also stated that it is the right time to expand the party's base across India under the leadership of Parth Pawar.
"Parth Pawar is a 21st-century visionary and promising leader who has command over the Hindi and English languages. The language proficiency can be used to expand the party base at the national level. Parth has studied in London, so he has good relations with people in different fields and has an understanding of economic, social and political issues," the letter read.
"Parth Pawar is young and dynamic, so the youth will get attracted and join the party in larger numbers. Today, youths are frustrated with politics, so they keep their distance from politics, but Parth Pawar can bring these youths into the party and give them confidence," it added.
The letter said that there is a deliberate attempt by some sections to portray Parth Pawar as immature, but history has a different lesson to teach.
"When Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to hand over the reins of the Maratha empire to his son Sambhaji Maharaj, Anaji Pant–Brahmin Pandit–also opposed this move, saying Sambhaji is not capable of it, and the same has been done with Parth Pawar by some modern Anaji Pant. The wrong perception about Parth Pawar has been spread. After the 2019 Lok Sabha defeat of Parth Pawar, he was discouraged from taking any major role. But the situation has changed. Ajit Pawar was also of the opinion that if the opportunity is given to Parth, then he would do better and showcase his talent," the letter stated.
Meanwhile, Parth Pawar also met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Earlier, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel met Fadnavis, where NCP SP leader Jayant Patil was also present, and all three reportedly discussed both the NCP's merger and NCP SP joining the BJP-led NDA.