Pawar Reprimands Praful Patel, Their Picture Together Fuels Guess Work

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Rajya Sabha member Praful Patel has been reportedly reprimanded by his former mentor Sharad Pawar for uploading their picture together in Parliament two days ago. Patel had put the picture on his official X(Twitter earlier) account. The X post became viral as the two NCP factions are battling for recognition before the Election Commission (EC). Now that the EC has scheduled a hearing in the matter on October 6, speculations have intensified. Moreover, as both factions have denied that there is a rift in the party, guess work is in full swing. During the Rajya Sabha special session between 18 and 21 September, Pawar and Patel met in the precinct. The moment was captured on camera and has been used by Patel. It is not clear what response came from Patel when he was asked about the uploading by his former boss. Patel has maintained silence after the political sensation fuelled by him amidst reports that the NCP’s breakaway group’s leader Ajit Pawar has hardened his stand against his uncle, who introduced the nephew in politics way back in 1991. Also, the fact that Patel had been Pawar’s emissary for the past two decades has deepened the suspense about the NCP founder’s future moves. Although Pawar has been active in the I.N.D.I.A front deliberations, his followers are waiting with baited breath for the fallout of the EC’s verdict.