Fresh signs of disagreement within the Nationalist Congress Party have been revealed after a demand was raised for Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar to be inducted into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Union cabinet. The proposal was formally communicated through a three-page letter addressed to NCP president Sunetra Pawar by party vice-president Udaykumar Aher.
Parth Pawar, the elder son of Sunetra Pawar, was elected to the Rajya Sabha in April. His elevation to a ministerial role has now been sought by a section of party office-bearers who believe that his political capabilities have been unfairly questioned. It was alleged in the letter that misinformation had been circulated by individuals within the party to weaken his position and restrict his political growth.
An impression that Parth lacked political maturity was said to have been deliberately created. It was further claimed that doubts had been raised about his ability to serve the party and the public effectively. According to Aher, attempts to damage Parth’s career had intensified after the demise of Ajit Pawar. A place in the Union cabinet was described as an opportunity through which Parth’s leadership skills could be demonstrated. It was argued that criticism directed at him could be answered if he was entrusted with an important responsibility in the central government.
The demand has been made amid speculation that a reshuffle of the Union cabinet could be undertaken in the coming weeks. The possibility of NCP representation in the Modi government had also been discussed after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance returned to power for a third consecutive term following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. At that time, a junior ministerial position was reportedly offered to the NCP. The proposal was, however, declined by Ajit Pawar, who headed the party then. Praful Patel was reportedly preferred by Ajit Pawar for a cabinet-level position because Patel had previously served as a cabinet minister in the UPA government.
The demand for a full cabinet position was not accepted by the BJP, as parity was reportedly being maintained while portfolios were distributed among smaller NDA allies. Consequently, the proposed junior ministerial berth was not taken by the NCP. No public statement on the latest development has been made by Patel, who is also believed to have retained his claim to a ministerial position. Parth’s political journey was also referred to in Aher’s letter. He had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election from the Maval constituency but was defeated by Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne. It was alleged that the defeat had subsequently been used to lower his morale and diminish his standing within the party.
A larger organisational responsibility had reportedly been considered for Parth by Ajit Pawar. Discussions on the matter were claimed to have been held between Aher and the late NCP leader. Sunetra Pawar was therefore urged to fulfil what was described as Ajit Pawar’s unfinished political plan. Support for the proposal was later extended by NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil. The demand was described by him as an expression of the sentiments of party workers. However, it was also acknowledged that the responsibility could be accepted only if Parth himself agreed to take it up.
The development has brought questions surrounding leadership, succession and ministerial representation back into focus within the NCP. It has also indicated that competing expectations may be emerging within the party over who should be given a larger role at the state and national levels.