In a swift response to escalating political tensions, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar has asked Suraj Chavan, the state president of the Nationalist Youth Congress, to step down. The directive follows a violent incident in Latur involving an assault on Chaava Sanghatana activists.
“In the backdrop of an extremely serious and condemnable incident that occurred in Latur yesterday, I have given clear instructions to Suraj Chavan to immediately resign from his post,” Mr. Pawar announced via social media.
What Sparked the Latur Clash?
The incident unfolded during a press interaction by NCP MP Sunil Tatkare in Latur. Activists from Chaava Sanghatana — a Maratha youth organization known for its advocacy on farmers’ rights — disrupted the event demanding the resignation of Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate.
Protester Vijaykumar Ghadge symbolically threw playing cards at Tatkare in protest, referencing Kokate’s recent controversy where he was filmed playing rummy inside the state assembly. The video had gone viral after being released by MLA Rohit Pawar.
“The Assembly is not a casino,” said Ghadge. “It is a place for lawmaking. Kokate must be removed for insulting farmers and the Assembly.”
Violence Erupts After Protest
Shortly after the demonstration, members of the NCP youth wing, led by Suraj Chavan, reportedly assaulted Chaava activists and verbally abused them. According to NDTV, Tatkare was not present at the scene when the attack occurred.
Police swiftly intervened, evacuating NCP workers from the premises and ensuring Ghadge’s safety. Chavan later justified his actions by claiming the protestors used “unconstitutional language” against their leader. However, no such evidence has been found in the widely circulated footage.
Legal Repercussions and Chavan’s Apology
A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against Chavan and 12 others. All are currently untraceable.
In a video posted early the next morning, Chavan expressed regret over the episode, saying:
“I am a son of a farmer. I support farmer-related causes. My reaction was solely to the kind of language used. I’ll meet Ghadge personally and clarify.”
Who Are the Chaava Sanghatana?
The Chaava Sanghatana is a prominent Maratha youth organization in Marathwada, known for defending farmer rights and promoting cultural awareness. Though politically unaffiliated, the group commands considerable influence among the rural youth demographic.
Rising Protests Across Maharashtra
Following the Latur incident, Chaava called for a Latur Bandh, which gained support from various Maratha outfits and farmers’ groups. Protests soon erupted in Jalna, Sambhaji Nagar, Nanded, and Nashik. Demonstrators tore down Ajit Pawar’s posters and demanded resignations of both Chavan and Agriculture Minister Kokate.
Activist Vijay Ghadge also reached out to Maratha reservation leader Manoj Jarange and farmer leader Raju Shetti, both of whom pledged support to the Chaava cause.
Political Reactions Intensify
The Latur episode has triggered a storm of criticism from opposition parties and civil society. While MP Sunil Tatkare distanced himself from the violence, opposition leaders attacked Ajit Pawar’s faction for its handling of the crisis.
Sanjay Raut from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) called the assault a “gang-style attack,” criticizing the silence of BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis.
“If this were the opposition, Fadnavis would’ve staged a protest on the Mantralay staircase,” Raut declared.
Demand for Kokate’s Ouster Grows
MLA Rohit Pawar, who exposed Kokate’s rummy video, stated that while Chavan’s resignation was the right step, it didn’t go far enough.
“Maharashtra wants the resignation of Agriculture Minister Kokate — someone who has mocked farmers inside the Assembly.”
Rohini Khadse, another leader from the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP, dismissed Chavan’s removal as “tokenism.”
“Chavan is a small fish. The real responsibility lies with the ‘big fish’ like Kokate. This is just eyewash,” she asserted.
Ajit Pawar Walks a Tightrope
Despite officially condemning the Latur violence and asking for Chavan’s resignation, Ajit Pawar has stopped short of taking any action against Minister Kokate. Critics argue this hesitance reflects a political trade-off to preserve the fragile ruling coalition.
Conclusion: A Leadership Test for Ajit Pawar
The Ajit Pawar Latur incident has evolved from a local clash into a statewide political flashpoint. As public outrage mounts and Maratha youth organizations mobilize, pressure is building on the Deputy Chief Minister to demonstrate real leadership — not just symbolic gestures.
Whether he will hold senior ministers accountable, especially amid growing resentment among farmers and rural voters, could shape the political landscape in the lead-up to Maharashtra’s next elections.
