NCP Pune chief threatens to step down from post for not being considered for membership to Legislative Council

The NCP nominated Pankaj Bhujbal, son of minister Chhagan Bhujbal, and Idris Naikwadi as members of legislative council from the Governor quota and administered oath on Tuesday.

Deepak Mankar from Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction

Not all is going well for Ajit Pawar’s NCP fation as the party’s Pune unit chief Deepak Mankar has threatened to step down from his post alleging that the party leadership did not take him into account for membership to the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Mankar also accused the party leadership of applying different rules for Maharashtra NCP women chief Roopali Chakankar, alleging that the NCP extended her tenure as chairperson of the state women commission.

“I have been working hard to strengthen the party in the city…however, if my contribution is not recognised, and I get ignored for membership to the Maharashtra Legislative Council, then I will step down and work only as a party worker,” said Mankar.

The NCP nominated Pankaj Bhujbal, son of minister Chhagan Bhujbal, and Idris Naikwadi as members of legislative council from the Governor quota and administered oath on Tuesday.

“I don’t know on what criteria the two were selected. Their names were not even in the list of probable candidates. If the posts are given only to family members of leaders, then what will the party cadre hope for,” said Mankar.

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Many of NCP‘s office-bearers in Pune submitted their resignation after Mankar was ignored for council membership. “It was a spontaneous reaction and is well understood. I will discuss and inform the party leadership that we will step down but not leave the party, despite getting offers from other parties,” said Mankar.

If the NCP cadre decides not to cooperate, it will adversely impact Mahayuti’s performance in the upcoming elections, said Mankar adding that the BJP very well knows about the contribution of the NCP during the Lok Sabha elections.

Mankar alleged the party leaders were swift to extend the tenure of chairperson of Maharashtra Women Commission Chakankar, who is already the party’s Maharashtra chief for the women wing.

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NCP leader Roopali Patil Thombare too raised objections after Chakankar’s name was floated for membership to the state legislative council sttaing why the party was giving multiple posts to a single person when there are many eligible candidates in the party.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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