NCP Faces Fresh Discord Over Key Appointments

Mumbai: The NCP’s appointment of Umesh Patil as national chief spokesperson has triggered internal dissent, with party national general secretary Brijmohan Shrivastav calling the move unconstitutional and invalid. Mr Shrivastav said he was unanimously elected to the post at the party’s National Convention in November 2023 and could not be replaced without following the party Constitution. He argued that changes to the National Committee required prior notice and a resolution of the National General Body. He also questioned NCP national president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar’s authority, citing a pending ECI communication on party amendments.

The development comes after the NCP national president announced Patil’s appointment, along with that of MLC Zeeshan Siddique as the party’s Mumbai unit president, on Wednesday. The appointment letters were handed over to Mr Patil and Mr Siddique at the official residence, Devgiri, in the presence of Sunetra Pawar and Rajya Sabha member Parth Pawar.

Ms Pawar said, “Patil and Siddique would work with dedication and commitment to strengthen the party organisation while carrying forward the ideals, vision and legacy of public service of late Ajit Pawar.”

Mr Shrivastav, who is also the chief national spokesperson, questioned Mr Siddique’s appointment as Mumbai unit president, arguing that it was the prerogative of Maharashtra State president Sunil Tatkare to appoint the Mumbai unit chief. “Sunetra Pawar cannot appoint Mr Siddique as Mumbai party president, as it lies within Sunil Tatkare’s jurisdiction,” he said.

Mr Shrivastav claimed that his election as national chief spokesperson was unanimously approved under Agenda Item No. 10 at the National Convention held in Karja on November 30, 2023, on a proposal moved by the late Ajit Pawar. He also argued that an elected office-bearer could not be replaced through a unilateral nomination without following the party’s constitutional procedures.

Citing Agenda Item No. 17 of the same convention, Mr Shrivastav said any change in the National Committee required 90 days’ prior notice of a meeting by speed post and a mandatory resolution of the National General Body. He claimed that no resolution adopted through the prescribed procedure had been communicated to him.

The NCP leader also questioned Sunetra Pawar’s authority to make the appointment, citing a communication issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on July 27, 2026, seeking resolutions, proceedings and signatory details relating to amendments dated February 26, 2026. He alleged that the required information had not been submitted and maintained that the ECI’s communication should not be construed as an endorsement of the disputed changes.

Calling the appointment unconstitutional, invalid and void, the national general secretary also urged the party high command to withdraw it and adhere to the party Constitution and the resolutions adopted at the National Convention.