Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar has dissolved all the party's portfolios and the party cell with immediate effect. NCP National General Secretary Praful Patel tweeted, "With the approval of NCP National President Sharad Pawar, all departments and cells are dissolved with immediate effect.'' However, Patel, a former union minister, did not disclose the reason for the sudden decision. But speculation is rife that Pawar has taken this step in view of the rift in the Shiv Sena.

Sharad Pawar's decision comes three weeks after the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi Government in Maharashtra. In the Uddhav Thackeray-led government, apart from the Congress, the NCP was also an ally in the alliance. The government fell when the Eknath Shinde-led faction revolted and later joined hands with the BJP to form the government.  

A few days ago, former Maharashtra minister Ramdas Kadam accused Sharad Pawar of breaking the Shiv Sena. He had said that he had also given his proof to Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray. In a statement, Kadam had said, "Shiv Sena has been systematically weakened by Pawar. Some MLAs had expressed concern about this but Thackeray was not ready to break ties with Pawar.'' Kadam further said, ''We should thank what happened (Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's rebellion) that it happened only during the tenure of the government for two and a half years. Otherwise, within the tenure of 5 years, Shiv Sena would have ended. Even 5-10 MLAs do not win the next assembly election.'' However, NCP spokesperson Mahesh Taapsee denied Kadam's statement. He said the BJP was behind the crack in Shiv Sena and the rebel leaders wanted to divert attention by attacking Pawar. Meanwhile, the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena has written to the Election Commission demanding allotment of the party's election symbol 'Dhanush-Baan.'

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