Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel on Tuesday clarified that he is not in contention for the post of the party’s national president following the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash last week. Addressing reporters in Delhi, Patel sought to put an end to speculation surrounding the party’s leadership transition during a sensitive period.

Patel expressed displeasure over commentary from individuals not associated with the NCP, stating that external voices were unnecessarily questioning the party’s internal decisions. He stressed that the NCP has the right to independently determine its leadership course in line with its organisational principles and traditions.

Defending the appointment of Sunetra Pawar as leader of the legislature party, Patel said the decision reflected the collective will of party members. He underlined that leadership choices would continue to be guided by the sentiments of the party’s rank and file, rather than external pressure or speculation.

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While ruling himself out of the race for the top post, Patel said the vacancy of the national president would be filled at an appropriate time. He added that it would be improper to discuss broader leadership issues while the party is still mourning the loss of its senior leader.

Earlier, while paying condolences at the party office, Patel indicated that the NCP would chart its future under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. He emphasized unity and discipline within the party as it navigates a challenging transition phase.

The NCP leadership has signalled that stability and continuity remain its immediate priorities, with decisions to be taken cautiously and collectively in the aftermath of the tragedy.

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