NCP Pune unit President Deepak Mankar offers to resign over MLC seat denial

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], October 17 (ANI): Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Pune president, Deepak Mankar, offered to resign citing disappointment over being denied a Member of Legislative Council (MLC) post under the governor’s quota. This development comes a day after over 600 party functionaries resigned in protest against Mankar’s exclusion from the MLC nominations.

Mankar expressed his dismay on Wednesday, stating that despite his 40 years of active politics and 14 months as NCP chief, he was overlooked for the post. He questioned the merit of Pankaj Bhujbal and Idris Naikwadi, who were nominated for the MLC positions, suggesting that their selection was unjustified.

Deepak Manakar said, “Being in active in politics for 40 years and in NCP for sevaral years also holding NCP Chief post since last 14 month strongly, despite my merit I have been denied for the post, this is very disappointing for my supporters and party workers in Pune. Therefore along with my party workers I have also decided to resign from the party chief post however I will continue to work for the party on ground, but it would be difficult for me to work without my party workers who resigned yesterday.”

Mankar plans to consult with his supporters and hold talks with Ajit Pawar before making further decisions. The developments have sparked uncertainty within the NCP ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

“Same party workers had worked tirelessly during Loksabha election for Mahayuti Candidate and we have delivered results too, because we saw how BJP Candidate Murlidhar Mohol got elected with good leads in Pune city constituency,” he added.

Mankar also raised questions over the MLC post given to Pankaj Bhujbal and Idris Naikwadi.

“I fail to understand the merit of both nominees also I fail to understand where I am lacking in merit despite being working for years in the politics. I will take further decision with the consultation of the my supporters and speaking with Ajit Pawar,” he added.

Over 600 party functionaries had resigned from their post over the denial of MLC nomination to Mankar.

On Tuesday, seven MLCs were sworn in after a list was released by the government recommending candidates from ruling Mahayuti alliance, out of seven three to the BJP, and two each to the Shiv Sena and NCP.

The NCP nominees include party’s former MLA and Chhagan Bhujbal’s son Pankaj Bhujbal, and Idris Naikwadi. The Shiv Sena has nominated former MLC Manish Kayande and former Lok Sabha MP Hemant Patil Additonally, BJP has nominated its state women’s wing chief Chitra Wagh, state general secretary Vikrant Patil, and spiritual leader of Banjara community Dharmaguru Babusingh Maharaj Rathod.

A total of 12 post for MLC were vacant under the governor quota since 2021 when Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance were in power.