Mumbai

A controversy broke out in Maharashtra after key leaders’ photos were missing from an NCP event banner.

A political row erupted within the Nationalist Congress Party after photographs of senior leaders Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar were missing from a banner displayed at a party event in Raigad district.

The incident took place during a felicitation programme held on March 27 for newly elected Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti members. The event was attended by state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare. The banner at the venue prominently displayed Tatkare, his daughter and minister Aditi Tatkare, and his son Aniket Tatkare, but did not include Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar.

The absence of their photographs quickly sparked criticism from within the party. NCP leader Rohit Pawar raised concerns, alleging that certain senior leaders, including Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel, were trying to strengthen their control over the party while sidelining other factions.

Following the backlash, Aditi Tatkare issued an apology and clarified that the omission was not intentional. She said it was a mistake made at the local level and should not be seen as a sign of internal division. She also stressed that both Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar continue to hold an important and respected place within the party.

Other leaders in the party dismissed the allegations, calling them politically motivated. They urged critics to focus on their own party matters instead of creating unnecessary controversies.

Despite clarifications, the episode highlights ongoing factional tensions within the NCP. Observers say repeated public disputes reveal deeper divisions, raising concerns about unity, coordination, and leadership dynamics in Maharashtra.