New Delhi: In wake of severe criticism over a clash between Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers and members of the Chhava Sanghatna, NCP national president and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Monday (July 21) asked Suraj Chavan, the party’s youth wing chief to step down from his post.

The clash had taken place on Sunday (July 20) in Latur when members of the Chhava Sanghatna – an outfit primarily representing the youth – led by their leader Vijay Ghatge had confronted Maharashtra NCP unit president and Raigad MP Sunil Tatkare, reported Deccan Herald.

The Chhava Sanghatna workers had hurled a deck of playing cards at Tatkare, as they protested over a video of state Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokae playing Junglee Rummy, an online card game, inside legislature, went viral on social media platforms.

Following the incident, NCP workers allegedly assaulted the Chhava Sanghatna members, with the party’s youth wing chief Chavan being involved in the attack.

"In the backdrop of an extremely serious and condemnable incident that occurred in Latur yesterday, I have given clear instructions to Suraj Chavan, the state president of the Nationalist Youth Congress, to immediately resign from his post,” NCP chief Pawar posted on X.

Chavan has also tendered an apology.

Pawar added that the strict decision has been taken as Chavan’s behaviour goes against the party's values and will not be tolerated, reported Hindustan Times.

Pawar, who had summoned Chavan to meet him, also termed the incident as condemnable.

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