The political landscape in Maharashtra witnessed a seismic shift as Ajit Pawar rebelled against his uncle, Sharad Pawar, setting off a power struggle within the ranks of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). In a controversial interview (which Praful Patel now denies), Patel claimed that Supriya Sule has become the "fulcrum" of all of Sharad Pawar's actions, casting a spotlight on the dynamics within the party. Patel's previous close association with Sharad Pawar raised speculations that Ajit Pawar's rebellion had received the senior Pawar's tacit support.
Just weeks before the split, Praful Patel and Supriya Sule were jointly appointed as working presidents of the NCP, further fueling intrigue and power dynamics within the party. However, as the crisis unfolded, reports surfaced of Praful Patel accusing Sharad Pawar of nepotism. In response, Pawar retorted by highlighting Patel's tenure as a union minister for a decade, followed by an unsuccessful bid in the Lok Sabha elections. In contrast, Pawar pointed out that Supriya Sule contested the Lok Sabha elections and emerged victorious. Pawar intensified his attack by highlighting Patel's subsequent appointment to the Rajya Sabha despite his loss in the Lok Sabha race, according to Hindustan Times.
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Nevertheless, Praful Patel swiftly denied making any defamatory statements against Supriya Sule, expressing unwavering respect for both Sharad Pawar and the Pawar family. Taking to Twitter, he stated, "I have never and would never speak anything defamatory about Shri Sharad Pawar and Smt Supriya Sule. I will always have the utmost respect for the Pawar family."
