Suraj Chavan Reappointed As NCP State General Secretary Month After Assault Controversy

Mumbai: Barely a month after being removed as president of the Nationalist Youth Congress for assaulting Chhava organisation’s state president Vijay Ghadge, Suraj Chavan has been politically rehabilitated and appointed as State General Secretary of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

The incident occurred last month during the press conference at Latur, Chavan allegedly attacked Ghadge for demanding the resignation of then Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate over allegations of playing rummy during the session. Following the assault, Chavan was stripped of his post.

However, in a swift turnaround, NCP State President Sunil Tatkare handed Chavan his appointment letter in the presence of senior leaders, including Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, MLAs Aditi Tatkare, Nawab Malik, and Sameer Bhujbal. The decision has triggered sharp criticism from the Chhava organisation and opposition parties, who have accused the NCP of ignoring ethical accountability.

Reacting to the backlash, Tatkare said, “I have already commented on why the incident happened, and we condemned it at the time. Chavan was punished for his actions, but he has been working with us, and now we have given him an appropriate responsibility. Every organisation has the right to express its opinion, and the party has taken the right decision. I never engage in political mudslinging.”