MUMBAI: Sharad Pawar has expelled Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare from the party for supporting Ajit Pawar's dissident movement. He announced that both were removed from primary membership. After that, the Ajit Pawar faction came forward claiming that the original NCP belongs to them. Ajit Pawar's faction counterattacked by announcing Sunil Tatkare, who had been ousted by Sharad Pawar, as the state president of the NCP. With the rift between the two factions intensifying, similar situations are emerging in the NCP as the Shiv Sena split.

Prabhul Patel, who was known to be Sarad Pawar's confidant in the party, also came forward claiming that the official NCP belongs to Ajit Pawar's side. It is reported that a letter has been given to the Election Commission and the Speaker to bring clarification on the official symbol and the party.

Prabhul Patel also rejected the threat of disqualification of Ajit Pawar and the MLAs supporting him. Prabhul Patel was the leader who expressed shock when Sharad Pawar unexpectedly announced his resignation and pressured him to change his decision. Following this, Sharad Pawar announced his daughter Supriya and his confidant Praful Patel as working presidents.

Meanwhile, the party leadership had sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar demanding the disqualification of Ajit Pawar and eight other MLAs who joined the Shinde government. The NCP leadership also approached the Election Commission showing that party cadres from all districts are with Sharad Pawar. Yesterday, Maharashtra NCP President Jayant Patil had announced that he would take steps to disqualify Ajith and other MLAs.