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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Legal notice threatens Sunetra’s NCP presidency

Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is weathering a fresh political storm as newly elected National President and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar faces a direct legal challenge to her leadership. Elevated to the top posts following the tragic accidental demise of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Sunetra Pawar is now navigating a complex internal rebellion. A legal notice served by a senior party functionary demanding the annulment of her election has not only raised the...

Legal notice threatens Sunetra’s NCP presidency

Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is weathering a fresh political storm as newly elected National President and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar faces a direct legal challenge to her leadership. Elevated to the top posts following the tragic accidental demise of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Sunetra Pawar is now navigating a complex internal rebellion. A legal notice served by a senior party functionary demanding the annulment of her election has not only raised the startling possibility of her having to step down from the presidency but has also ignited intense speculation among party insiders regarding who might truly be orchestrating this proxy battle from behind the scenes. The crisis was triggered on July 9 when Sachchidanand Singh, the NCP’s Jharkhand State President and a party veteran of 15 years, served a legal notice through his lawyer. Directed at Sunetra Pawar as party president, Praful Patel as working president, and Brijmohan Srivastava as party secretary, the notice claims that the February 26 election for the top post was fundamentally invalid and unconstitutional. Singh, who was appointed as National Secretary in December 2023 by the late Ajit Pawar but unceremoniously excluded from the new national executive committee, has demanded that the current election be scrapped and a fresh one be conducted under an independent and impartial election officer. Crucially, the notice demands that until a new election is held, Sunetra Pawar’s position and the revised list of office-bearers be considered null and void, a move that would effectively force her immediate ouster. Procedural Expose The legal challenge hinges on deep procedural technicalities that expose the fragile transition of power within the NCP. According to the notice, following Ajit Pawar’s demise on January 28, the party submitted an amended constitution to the Election Commission on February 17, vesting Praful Patel with the powers of the National President until a permanent leader was elected. Singh has questioned under what authority Brijmohan Srivastava convened the pivotal February 26 meeting instead of Patel. Furthermore, he alleged that consent from the then-national executive members was bypassed for crucial communications sent to the Election Commission on February 18. While the legalities are complex, the political implications are profound. The sheer audacity of the notice has set the rumor mills ablaze within the NCP, with party insiders quietly speculating whether Singh is acting independently out of personal grievance over his exclusion, or if he is acting as a frontline proxy for disgruntled heavyweight factions maneuvering for ultimate control of the party. Trivial Issue Amidst the brewing storm, the NCP’s top brass has attempted to project a picture of absolute unity while swiftly dismissing the rebellion. Senior party leader and NCP State President Sunil Tatkare sought to brush away the controversy, characterising the legal notice as a trivial issue completely devoid of factual or legal substance. Asserting that the election of ‘Vahini’ (Sunetra Pawar) was conducted with strict adherence to the party constitution, laws, and democratic norms, Tatkare emphasised that the opinion of a single disgruntled individual does not reflect systemic unrest within the larger organisation. He firmly stated that the party’s core committee would convene imminently to consult legal experts and take appropriate disciplinary decisions against those responsible for the notice. However, despite Tatkare’s confident efforts to downplay the crisis, the looming legal battle and the swirling internal suspicions pose a critical test for Sunetra Pawar’s nascent leadership at a highly vulnerable juncture for the party. “There is no rift in the party. All senior party leaders meet with Sunetra Pawar to discuss political issues. The letter written by Sachchidanand Singh carries no weight. Any issue should be resolved amicably in the interest of the party." Praful Patel, Leader, NCP

Indecision Kills Personal Branding

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Indecision Kills

In a world that celebrates clarity and confidence, hesitancy is a silent yet powerful force that can diminish your personal brand. When people dwell in the realms of “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” they unknowingly project uncertainty and unreliability—traits that can undermine the foundation of a strong personal brand. Your ability to make decisions and stand firm on them is not just a reflection of your leadership but also a testament to your personal brand’s strength.


Every interaction we have leaves an impression. Be it a professional email, a networking event, or a casual conversation, these moments contribute to how others perceive us. When you continuously oscillate between indecision and vague responses, it sends a message that you lack confidence or direction. In business, where trust and reliability are paramount, this can become a significant roadblock.


Imagine a scenario where a client approaches two service providers with the same inquiry. The first one confidently outlines a plan, clearly stating the next steps, while the second hesitates, replying with, “I’m not sure; let me think about it.” Even if both have the same expertise, the client is more likely to gravitate toward the first provider. Confidence fosters trust, and trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships—professional or personal.


Indecision can often stem from the fear of making mistakes or being judged. While this is natural, it’s important to remember that perfection is an illusion. The act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be less than ideal, demonstrates courage, responsibility, and accountability. These are the traits that elevate a personal brand, distinguishing you in a crowded and competitive world.


Being decisive doesn’t mean being impulsive or reckless. It means gathering information, weighing options, and then committing to a choice with confidence. In personal branding, this is particularly crucial because every decision you make—how you respond to challenges, present yourself, or communicate with others—forms part of the narrative others associate with you.


Hesitation and indecision don’t only affect how others perceive you; they also impact how you view yourself. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to self-doubt, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more uncertain you are, the more others will mirror that uncertainty, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.


One way to counter this is by setting clear priorities and aligning your decisions with them. For instance, if your personal brand is centred around being a thought leader in your industry, your choices should reflect expertise and foresight. Even in moments of ambiguity, acknowledging the uncertainty while showing a proactive approach—such as saying, “I’ll find out and get back to you”—conveys both honesty and determination.


During my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of how decisiveness shapes impressions. Whether interacting with global clients or navigating unfamiliar professional terrains, I realized that certainty in communication was key to building trust and rapport. This was particularly evident when representing my personal brand on international platforms. A clear, confident tone opened doors and strengthened relationships that would have otherwise remained distant.


The next time you find yourself leaning on phrases like “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” pause and ask yourself: Is this hesitation necessary? Sometimes, it’s about silencing the inner critic and choosing to act decisively. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the act of making a choice positions you as someone who is reliable, proactive, and worth trusting.


Your personal brand isn’t defined by the absence of mistakes but by how you handle them and move forward. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices—it’s about owning them. And in a world that often feels uncertain, those who lead with clarity and conviction stand out.


Make your decisions a reflection of your confidence, and watch as your personal brand strengthens, opening doors you never imagined.

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(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)

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