India, Nov. 4 -- The Sunetra Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is gripped by intense internal friction, with veteran leaders voicing their discontent over the rising influence of her elder son, Parth Pawar -- notably his endeavours to consolidate control over the party's organisation by handpicking loyalists for key positions.

Recent appointments illustrate this: Zeeshan Siddique was inducted as the Mumbai unit chief and Umesh Patil became the party's chief spokesperson. Both are considered close confidantes of Parth.

The senior leaders' unease was also fueled by an organisational revamp purportedly drawn up after consulting poll strategist Prashant Kishor's team. Veteran party loyalists, who stood by Ajit Pawar when he enginee...