Pune: Rupali Patil Thombre Faces NCP Action Over Remarks Targeting Women’s Commission Chief
Pune, 8th November 2025: Amid rising internal tensions in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Ajit Pawar-led faction has issued a show-cause notice to its state spokesperson Rupali Patil Thombre for her critical remarks against Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission and President of the NCP Women’s Wing.
The disciplinary move comes days after Thombre participated in a Pune protest demanding justice for a woman doctor from Satara, who allegedly died by suicide. During the protest, Thombre accused Chakankar and the Women’s Commission of failing to act promptly and demanded her resignation — remarks that quickly triggered political ripples within the party.
Notice Alleges Breach of Party Discipline
Signed by Sanjay Khodke, the party’s State Organisation General Secretary, the notice described Thombre’s statements as a violation of party decorum and directed her to submit an explanation within seven days. Failure to do so, the letter warned, would lead to disciplinary action.
The communication read:
“While holding the post of State Spokesperson, you made public statements concerning the Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission and the President of the Party’s Women’s Wing, which amounts to a breach of party discipline. You are therefore required to explain within seven days why action should not be taken against you.”
Thombre Defends Herself Online
Late Friday night, Thombre took to Facebook to respond to the notice, expressing displeasure over what she termed an unreasonably short deadline to submit her reply. She announced that she would soon file a comprehensive clarification, touching upon all aspects of the controversy.
In her social media post, she wrote:
“Tonight, the party has sought an explanation about my remarks concerning the Women’s Commission Chairperson, who is celebrated for her work on justice for women. I will be providing a detailed clarification — from personal motives to the Hagawane case and the character assassination of our late sister, the doctor from Satara.”
Thombre further questioned the silence around those responsible for defaming the deceased doctor, writing, “But truly, what explanation should be given about those who maligned the character of the woman who is no longer with us?”
Party Attempts to Rein in Public Statements
Party insiders suggest that the notice is part of a broader attempt by the NCP’s leadership to tighten control over public messaging ahead of the upcoming civic elections. While official comments have been withheld, sources said the leadership views Thombre’s remarks as damaging to the party’s image and to internal unity.
