Ajit Pawar Urges NCP Youth Wing Chief to Quit Amid Minister’s Mobile Game Video Controversy

Rapid Summary

• Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar asked NCP youth wing chief Suraj Chavan to resign for his role in an altercation with Chhava Sanghatna activists.
• The clash occurred on July 20, 2025, in Latur during a protest by Chhava Sanghatna against State Agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate over a viral video showing him purportedly playing rummy on his mobile phone during a legislative session.
• During the confrontation at an NCP press conference, Chhava Sanghatna leader Vijay Ghatge hurled playing cards onto the table of Maharashtra unit president Sunil Tatkare as part of the protest. In response, NCP workers allegedly beat up Mr.Ghatge and other activists before police intervened.
• Suraj Chavan defended the attack by claiming it was provoked by abusive language used against NCP leaders but later submitted his resignation following Ajit Pawar’s directive condemning violence and indecent behavior within party ranks.
• Separately, five activists of the Chhava Sanghatna allegedly attempted to set fire to an NCP office in Jalna late on July 20 but were stopped after staff intervened; police have registered a case against the accused.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The violent confrontation between political workers highlights growing tensions within Maharashtra’s political landscape fueled by ideological differences and reactive protests over public accountability issues like alleged misconduct of State Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate. Ajit Pawar’s swift condemnation of violence-including demanding resignation from party members involved-signals a commitment toward preserving democratic values amidst rising unrest among advocacy groups like Chhava Sanghatna seeking accountability through provocative actions. However, retaliatory attacks-such as the arson attempt at NCP’s Jalna office-raise concerns about escalating polarization and its implications for governance stability in Maharashtra ahead of future elections or policy debates.

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