Chhatrapati Shivaji’s 13th descendent and the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) Satara Member of Parliament Udayanraje Bhosale has blamed the defeat of some senior party leaders on “backstabbing” by other leaders, who covertly supported rebels.

“Party should appoint disciplinary committee to take action against such leaders and no attempts should be made to take support from rebels,” Bhosale said on Thursday in Pune.

Bhosale did not name any party leader but hinted that the attack was against Ajit Pawar, who has managed to get support of rebels.

Bhosale said that at least 22 rebels won due to support from senior party leaders. Bhosale also said that defeated NCP leaders should be properly rehabilitated in the party.

Bhosale has, in the past, revolted against the party leadership, especially against Pawar over the latter’s interference in Satara’s political affairs. Bhosale also claimed credit for the victory of five NCP legislators from Satara.