By: Express News Service Mumbai | Updated: July 12, 2025 22:20 IST 2 min readAt a party function on June 10, Patil himself expressed his desire to step down but was opposed by a section of party workers. (File photo)Opposition Nationalist Congress Party (SP) found itself in a controversy after reports of the resignation of its state president Jayant Patil and appointment of Shashikant Shinde as his successor.Party’s chief national spokesperson and MLA Jitendra Awhad had to clarify that the reports were false. “Jayant Patil is the state president. The news of his resignation being circulated is nothing but mischief. The party functions according to rules and discipline,” Awhad said.For weeks now, there are speculations about Patil stepping down from the post, which he has been holding for over seven years now. At a party function on June 10, Patil himself expressed his desire to step down but was opposed by a section of party workers.Sources within the NCP(SP) said the party will hold an important meeting on July 15 where discussions on a possible change of leadership will be held. “It is very much likely that Jayant Patil will continue to lead the party. Even party chief Sharad Pawar in his speech in the June 10 programme had talked about bringing a new leadership to the front. But it is difficult to predict who it will be,” said a senior party leader.Shinde, while talking to the media amid speculations about him succeeding Patil, said he has not heard anything from the party leadership. “This call will be taken by the top leadership of the party. There are many other names, apart from mine. I am ready to take up any responsibility that is offered to me,” he said.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Maharashtra