Pune: Ajit Pawar-Led NCP To Take Disciplinary Action Amid Criminal Allegations Ahead Of 26th Foundation Day

Pune, 7th June 2025: As the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) prepares to mark its 26th Foundation Day on 10th June in Pune, the party is also bracing for internal turbulence. Serious discussions and possible disciplinary action are expected during the event, particularly concerning the dissolution of the party’s Beed district unit and the expulsion of senior member Rajendra Hagawane.

State party president Sunil Tatkare addressed the media on Friday (6th June), expressing deep concern over certain office-bearers being linked to criminal cases. “It is extremely unfortunate that some of our members have found themselves involved in criminal activities. The party will not tolerate such associations, and we have already taken action in such cases,” Tatkare said.

Earlier this year, the party was forced to dissolve its entire Beed district unit after several local leaders were named in an FIR related to the murder of a village sarpanch in Massajog. The incident sparked outrage and severely dented the party’s image. The matter will be discussed in detail during the upcoming Foundation Day meeting, Tatkare confirmed.

Rajendra Hagawane, another senior figure, was expelled from the party after he was named in an FIR related to the suspicious death of his daughter-in-law. His subsequent arrest added further embarrassment for the party. These controversies are expected to take center stage during the 10th June deliberations.

Following the 2023 split in the NCP, both factions—led separately by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar—now hold parallel celebrations of the party’s foundation day. This year, Ajit Pawar’s group will gather at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune, while the Sharad Pawar-led faction has opted for the historic Balgandharva Rangmandir as its venue. Each group will use the occasion to reaffirm its ideological stance and policy direction.

Dismissing recent speculation, Tatkare ruled out any talks of reunification between the two factions. “We have received no such proposal, and the party’s core group has not held any discussions on this matter,” he said. Tatkare also reaffirmed the Ajit Pawar faction’s unwavering alliance with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). “Our discussions to join the NDA began in 2014. Under Ajit Pawar’s leadership, we made that decision. Anyone who aligns with our vision is welcome in the party,” he added.

The 10th June meeting will also focus on future strategy and provide guidance to party workers. With its public image under strain due to recent criminal allegations, the party aims to double down on its commitment to clean and transparent leadership. “The Nationalist Congress Party stands for public welfare and will not shelter anyone involved in criminal conduct,” Tatkare asserted.