A day after being named working president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) alongside Praful Patel, Supriya Sule spoke out on the nepotism debate on Sunday, stating that she could not avoid the topic and enquiring as to which party was nepotism-free. Supriya Sule declared that despite being the proud daughter of Sharad and Pratibha Pawar, she would never avoid nepotism.
Supriya Sule stated in a press conference that performance need to be taken into account when discussing nepotism. “I can’t go away from nepotism…Which party doesn’t have nepotism? Why can’t we talk about performance when talking about nepotism…Look at my parliamentary performance,” Supriya Sule said.
Supriya Sule expressed gratitude to all NCP members and leaders while stating that the party’s growth was her top objective. “I am grateful to all NCP cadre, leaders and Mr Pawar [father Sharad Pawar] for showing faith in me. My priority is strengthening the party,” Supriya Sule said.
Supriya Sule responded when asked about Ajit Pawar’s lack of a party role and the allegations that he was dissatisfied, “Who says he is not happy, has anybody asked him? Reports are gossip.”
Ajit Pawar also spoke out in response to the claims, declaring himself to be “happy” and a decision-maker in regards to recent changes within the party ranks.
Sharad Pawar, the leader of the NCP, appointed his daughter Supriya Sule and former Union minister Praful Patel as the party’s working presidents on Saturday, signalling a generational shift within the organisation and igniting talk about ousting Ajit Pawar, the nephew who has previously shown rebellious tendencies.
Supriya Sule was also chosen by Sharad Pawar to lead the NCP’s Central Election Authority and oversee elections in Maharashtra, the only state where the NCP has a significant electoral representation.