NCP Faces Backlash Over Nilesh Lanke's Ties with Criminal Gajanan Marne

NCP is under scrutiny after newly elected MP Nilesh Lanke visited the house of a notorious Pune criminal, Gajanan Marne, sparking criticism from party members and raising questions about the party's ethics and election conduct.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faced severe criticism on Friday following a controversial visit by Ahmednagar MP Nilesh Lanke to the residence of Pune-based criminal Gajanan Marne. This event has created intra-party tensions and public outrage over the party's association with lawbreakers.

Previously, NCP President Sharad Pawar's grandson, Parth Pawar, also faced flak for a similar engagement. Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, condemned Parth's visit, emphasizing it should have been avoided. A recent video surfaced showing Marne honoring Lanke at his Pune home.

Amol Mitkari, an NCP leader, criticized Lanke’s meeting with Marne, questioning the party’s silence and hinting at possible electoral irregularities. Mitkari demanded an investigation into whether criminal elements influenced NCP's victories in Ahmednagar and Baramati.