PRAFUL PATEL
NCP merger decision rests with Sharad Pawar, Sunetra; neither has told us anything yet: CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that only Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar could clarify any merger plans. He noted that neither had informed the BJP about a potential merger of the two NCP factions. Fadnavis compared Sunetra Pawar’s leadership to that of her late husband, Ajit Pawar, declaring it unfair. He expressed confidence in river-linking projects helping eliminate drought in Maharashtra over time.
BJP says Sharad Pawar, Sunetra Pawar to decide on NCP merger
BJP is engaging in discussions regarding the potential merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party factions. Rohit Pawar has dismissed any possibility of a reunion, while Sunetra Pawar, the current NCP president, remains silent. BJP leaders such as Pravin Darekar believe that only Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar can decide on the merger.
Ajit Pawar had planned NCP merger by February 12, Sunil Tatkare says
NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare has said Ajit Pawar had finalised a blueprint to reunite the two NCP factions by February 12, but the plan stalled after his death on January 28. His remarks have revived merger speculation following Praful Patel's meeting with Sharad Pawar in Mumbai.
Buzz over Amit Shah meeting: NCP core group meets for second time in three days
The Nationalist Congress Party core committee recently convened to discuss internal matters and leadership dynamics. Amidst speculation about sidelining Sunetra Pawar, party leaders affirmed their unity and support for her. Senior NCP leaders previously met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to strengthen coordination with the Mahayuti alliance. Sunetra Pawar is focused on winning more seats in the upcoming 2029 elections.
Six senior NCP leaders bypass Sunetra, Parth Pawar in huddle with union home minister
Praful Patel met Amit Shah along with Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare, state ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Hasan Mushrif, Dilip Walse Patil and Dhananjay Munde. The faction led by Patel claimed that the meeting was held to build pressure on BJP brass to return the finance ministry portfolio, held by the late Ajit Pawar, back to NCP.
NCP denies internal differences over Amit Shah meeting; calls reports misleading
Nationalist Congress Party leaders met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi regarding various party issues. Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar had previously met Shah to discuss matters following Ajit Pawar's death. The party spokesperson Umesh Patil emphasized the pre-planned nature of the meeting, dismissing claims of internal divisions. He urged the media to avoid sensationalizing formal interactions between alliance partners.
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Nagpur MLC result: Congress' Abhijeet Wanjari beats BJP in RSS turf, MVA wins 3 seats
Abhijeet Wanjari of the Congress party secured victory in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections from Nagpur. He defeated BJP candidate Sudhakar Kohale by a margin of 3,271 votes. The counting process extended over 40 hours and concluded in the early hours of Thursday. This win is significant as it reflects a setback for the BJP in their stronghold.

Mahayuti and MVA win two seats each in Maharashtra Council polls, Nagpur result awaited
The recent Maharashtra Legislative Council elections resulted in the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the Opposition MVA each winning two seats. In the Amravati teachers' constituency, Shiv Sena candidate Kiran Sarnaik won against Congress candidate Aditi Pohare. BJP's Kaustubh Gawade triumphed over incumbent Congress MLC Jayant Asgaonkar in the Pune teachers' constituency. NCP-SP's Harshada Deshmukh Jadhav defeated BJP's Smita Jadhav, causing upset within the BJP.

India's coastal security to see serious action in next two years: Amit Shah says MHA will move forward 'very seriously'
Amit Shah emphasised the need to strengthen coastal security over the next two years. He called on Western states to take the lead in implementing the new criminal laws and tackling drug-related issues. Shah also highlighted the economic importance of the Western region, describing it as India’s ‘WEST Engine’, while noting the increased frequency of Zonal Council meetings and their role in resolving issues since 2014. The meeting also covered cybersecurity, cooperative banking and several other regional and national concerns.

NCP feud escalates as Pawar loyalists target Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel
A leadership struggle has begun within the Nationalist Congress party. Supporters of Sunetra and Parth Pawar are targeting senior leaders Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel. They are demanding Tatkare's resignation as state NCP President. This internal conflict highlights significant squabbles within the party. The fight for control has intensified after Ajit Pawar's death.

No rift in NCP, Sachchidanand Singh's letter carries no weight: Praful Patel
Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel stated there is no internal party rift. He dismissed a legal challenge questioning Sunetra Pawar's election as party president. A legal notice alleged the election process lacked constitutional adherence and proper delegate notification. The party spokesperson asserted all rules were followed during the February election. Patel emphasized resolving internal issues amicably for the party's benefit.

Sunetra Pawar thwarted Praful Patel’s bid to take control of NCP, claims Rohit Pawar
NCP(SP) leader Rohit Pawar alleged that Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare attempted to seize control of the NCP after Ajit Pawar's death by falsely claiming constitutional amendments to the ECI. Sunetra Pawar reportedly thwarted this plan by writing to the ECI, stating that correspondence before her assumption of party presidency should be disregarded.

Not appointed as NCP president, says Praful Patel
Praful Patel has denied media reports naming him Nationalist Congress Party National President. He stated such decisions require consultation with senior leadership and party members. Union Minister Piyush Goyal also retracted his earlier statements based on incorrect information. Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare confirmed due procedure will be followed.

Cash distributed in polls, though people vote as per their wish even after taking it: Praful Patel
Former Union minister Praful Patel sparked a political controversy by stating that money is distributed during elections, though he believes it doesn't sway voter choices. He also advised leaders against projecting themselves as 'strongmen'. NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule distanced herself, emphasizing her view of politics as public service.

NCP refuses to be part of NDA ministry after BJP offers MoS (Ind Charge) for Praful Patel
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who met Ajit Pawar and other NCP leaders in Delhi after NCP's refusal, told reporters that there was a uniform policy on allocation of ministry. "For one party, exceptions could not be made. We are sure that whenever there is a Cabinet expansion, their (NCP) wish would be considered," said Fadnavis.

Congress questions CBI clearance for Praful Patel in 'Rs 30,000 crore Air India scam'
The CBI investigation had alleged that in 2006, Patel abused his position as the union aviation minister to lease several aircraft for five years to Air India to benefit private players. Congress also asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come clean on BJP's allegations against Patel over purchasing a Mumbai property allegedly from terror accused Iqbal Mirchi's family.

"We again requested Sharad Pawar...": Praful Patel
After having rebelled from the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, Ajit Pawar NCP faction leader Praful Patel met NCP Chief on Monday and said that a request was made to the veteran leader to keep the party united, but he refrained from commenting on the issue.

Gave role to Praful Patel at Supriya Sule's expense: Sharad Pawar
Responding to Patel's claim in a newspaper interview that Pawar was favouring his daughter over Ajit Pawar, the NCP founder said Supriya was elected thrice to the Lok Sabha, but the party never gave her a ministerial berth when UPA was in power. "Instead, we made Praful Patel a minister for ten years... In fact, even after he lost the Lok Sabha polls, we sent him to Rajya Sabha," he told reporters in Nashik before addressing a rally.

NCP has not split; meeting held by Sharad Pawar not official: Praful Patel
The organizational structure of the party was completely "flawed," Praful Patel, a veteran NCP leader, said. "An important meeting was held on June 30 at 'Devgiri' (Ajit Pawar's official residence in Mumbai) where legislators, office-bearers and party workers were present.

Iqbal Mirchi Case: ED attaches four floors of Former Minister Praful Patel's property
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) confirmed the attachment of properties of former minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel in the Iqbal Mirchi case.

Praful Patel lambasts Opposition parties for backtracking on GST
Congress, Trinamool Congress and the Left parties have decided to boycott the GST launch in Parliament, scheduled to be held tonight.

Did you know that Praful Patel called Dhirubhai Ambani 'Papa'?
The former union minister shares a special bond with Reliance Industries chairman, Mukesh Ambani.

NCP re-nominates Praful Patel for Rajya Sabha
The central election committee of the NCP has taken the decision unanimously to re-nominate Praful Patel.

NCP leader Praful Patel elected to Rajya Sabha
Former Union Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel has been elected to the Rajya Sabha, according to Vidhan Bhawan sources.

NCP going soft on Narendra Modi? Praful Patel wants 2002 riots matter put to rest
NCP leader Praful Patel on Wednesday said that the matter surrounding Narendra Modi in the 2002 Gujarat riots must be put to rest after a clean chit by SIT.
No evidence to show Praful Patel took bribe: Canadian scribe
A Canadian journalist, who reported on bribery charges levelled against Union Minister Praful Patel, on Friday tweeted that there was no evidence to show that he took bribe.
Timing of BHEL FPO dependent on market conditions: Praful Patel
In an interview with ET Now, Praful Patel, Minister for Heavy Industries & Enterprises, talks about the BHEL FPO. Excerpts:
US Homeland Security apologises to Praful Patel
The US Homeland Security has apologised to Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel who was questioned by the immigration authorities in Chicago.
Cheating case against Praful Patel
A local court in MP has registered a case of cheating against Praful Patel.
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