Ajit Pawar Missing from NCP Banner Sparks Maharashtra Power Struggle Row

A major political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) event banner in Raigad allegedly excluded the photograph of late leader Ajit Pawar, sparking sharp reactions within party ranks.

The incident took place during a felicitation ceremony for newly elected Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti members on March 27, attended by state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare.

Banner Sparks Outrage

The controversial banner displayed images of Sunil Tatkare, his daughter and minister Aditi Tatkare, and his son Aniket Tatkare—but notably omitted Ajit Pawar and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.

The absence quickly triggered political speculation, especially given Ajit Pawar’s recent death in a plane crash earlier this year.

Rohit Pawar Alleges Power Grab

Reacting strongly, Rohit Pawar from the Sharad Pawar-led faction accused senior leaders of attempting to take control of the party.

In a post on X, he alleged that Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel were trying to sideline his aunt Sunetra Pawar and “capture” the party structure.

Using a sharp analogy, Rohit Pawar said the incident was like a landlord secretly transferring land ownership, calling it proof of what he had been warning about.

Aditi Tatkare Apologises

Facing backlash, Aditi Tatkare issued a public apology, calling the omission a mistake by local party workers.

She said, “Whether it is Ajitdada or Sunetrakaki, their place in our hearts is unshakable. One should not judge our loyalty based on a banner.”

In a pointed remark, she also criticised those amplifying the issue, saying it showed how a small local mistake could be blown into a major controversy.

NCP Leaders Hit Back

Other NCP leaders dismissed the allegations as “crocodile tears” and advised Rohit Pawar to focus on his own faction instead of targeting party colleagues.

Political Tensions Rise

The incident has once again highlighted internal tensions within the NCP, especially between factions aligned with Sharad Pawar and other leaders.

With emotions running high after Ajit Pawar’s death, even a banner controversy has now turned into a full-blown political flashpoint in Maharashtra.