New Delhi/Mumbai: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a notice to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sunetra Pawar, seeking valid documentation and formal resolutions approving amendments made to the party’s constitution.
According to the ECI, communications sent by Sunetra Pawar on March 10 and April 7, 2026, informed the Commission of modifications to Articles 6, 7, 12, 18(i), 32 and 36 of the party’s constitution.
However, scrutiny revealed that the compliance documents submitted contained only the resolution passed during the National Executive meeting on February 26, 2026, which pertained exclusively to Article 18(i).
In its directive dated July 27, 2026, the Commission said formal proposals and resolutions approving changes to Articles 6, 7, 12, 32 and 36 have not been received. It directed the NCP leadership to furnish the missing supporting documents at the earliest to meet regulatory requirements.
Party functionaries confirmed receipt of the ECI’s letter and said a reply would be sent after consultations with Sunetra Pawar.
The Commission’s scrutiny follows objections raised regarding the procedure of Sunetra Pawar’s appointment. A party activist had earlier challenged her election as national president, alleging that it did not strictly adhere to constitutional provisions.
The ECI’s observations have intensified internal and legal scrutiny surrounding the validity of decisions taken by the current leadership.
The organisational changes came after the split in the original NCP, followed by the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a fatal aircraft crash near Baramati Airport on January 28, 2026. The NCP convened a National Executive convention in Mumbai on February 26, 2026, where Sunetra Pawar was elected national president.
The Commission noted that competing communications were sent regarding party authority and constitutional amendments.
On February 16, senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare submitted a letter amending party rules to grant operational powers to Patel as working president. On February 26, Sunetra Pawar was elected national president alongside amendments to Articles 6, 7, 12, 32 and 36.
On February 28, Sunetra Pawar wrote to the Commission requesting that all decisions and communications submitted between Ajit Pawar’s death and her elevation, specifically the February 16 letter, be declared null and void.
On March 10, she formally communicated her status as national president to the ECI, outlining updated office bearers while excluding roles claimed by interim leaders.
(IANS)
