MPYC leaders like president S Muzaffer Hussain, MLC Kripashankar Singh, Rajani Satav, general secretaries Mahesh Tapase and Pradeep Raka, vice presidents Shivajirao Gaikwad and Prof Sandeep Sahare, former MP Damu Shingda and MPCC spokesperson Dr Rajeev Boudhankar were among those present at the camp. Earlier in the day, the leaders offered floral tributes to photograph of Rajiv Gandhi.

The mood at Tilak Bhavan, however, was grim in the wake of expulsion of senior leader Sharad Pawar from the party for six years. Groups were heard talking about future action of the party and possible steps Pawar would take. As all the Congmen present were Sonia-loyalists, the group discussions often ended with a bold statement that Pawar had ended his political career.

To avoid any untoward incident betweensupporters of Sonia and Pawar at Nariman Point on Wednesday, a platoon of State Reserve Police Force had been deployed in addition to a team of local policemen. Congmen at the venue said there was no tension though Pawar supporters had put up a life size cut-out of their leader on a chawl in front of Tilak Bhavan and a notice board referred to him as the great Maratha leader.