Pune: The Legislative Council members nominations have sparked dissatisfaction within the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party of the Mahayuti alliance, particularly over the exclusion of Deepak Mankar, the party's Pune city president.

In response to Mankar's omission, a meeting was convened by Datta Sagare, vice-president of the NCP Pune city unit, where key office-bearers voiced their discontent. Deepak Mankar had been instrumental in organizing numerous events over the past year and a half, keeping the party actively engaged in the city.

Office-bearers questioned why Mankar was left out of the nominations and criticized the inclusion of Pankaj Bhujbal, son of senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal, without explicitly naming him, calling attention to the growing concentration of positions within a single family.

Further dissatisfaction was expressed over the dual roles held by Rupali Chakankar, who serves as both the State President of Women and the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission. Office-bearers argued that this consolidation of power was preventing other leaders from rising within the party.

In a significant move, 600 key office-bearers unanimously resigned from their positions, stating that they would continue to work as party workers from now on. They also announced plans to meet Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the next two days to present their grievances and seek resolution.

After months of delay, the much-anticipated appointment of Legislative Council members nominated by the Governor was finalized today (October 15), with Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe administering the oath of office to seven newly appointed members.