Should NCP Ministers Prioritize Party Work or Vacate Their Positions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Prioritization of Party Work: NCP ministers must focus on party organization over personal priorities.
- Accountability: Ajit Pawar emphasizes the need for accountability among party leaders.
- Community Engagement: Ministers are encouraged to interact with local party leadership during district visits.
- Upcoming Elections: The warnings serve as a prelude to local and civic body elections.
- Geographical Challenges: Ministers have been assigned to underdeveloped regions, requiring greater attention.
Nagpur, Sep 19 (NationPress) NCP's national leader and Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar issued a stern warning to party ministers about the importance of prioritizing the party organization. He stated that those who have other commitments will need to vacate their positions.
“Ministers assigned to specific districts must make the effort to visit those areas. During these visits, it’s essential to engage with the local party leadership and the community. Sadly, some ministers have overlooked this responsibility... we all need to acknowledge our shortcomings. If changes aren’t made, then vacating the chair will be necessary,” Pawar remarked.
These comments were made during the party's one-day Chintan Shivir held in Nagpur.
Pawar emphasized, “If any minister prioritizes tasks outside the party, we will ensure that their position is filled by someone committed.”
Moreover, he insisted that ministers must report their planned days in Mumbai and the activities they will undertake as guardian ministers in their respective districts to Sunil Tatkare, the party's state unit chief. His frustration was evident after several office-bearers, including some ministers, arrived late to the flag-hoisting ceremony marking the start of the study workshop.
“Just as strict protocols are followed before a flight takes off, similar discipline is expected within the party,” he added. Previously, NCP's working president Praful Patel criticized ministers from his own faction.
“District guardian ministers often spend only one or two hours in their districts. Their visits should be focused on their work, rather than treating it as a touristic excursion,” he remarked.
Pawar's and Patel's direct critiques of their fellow ministers signal to other leaders and office bearers, especially with the upcoming local and civic body elections on the horizon.
“The party has assigned ministers to districts outside their home areas, predominantly in the less-developed regions of Marathwada and Vidarbha. Many ministers seem reluctant to visit these areas regularly, which has caused some dissatisfaction,” noted a senior party leader, adding that the intention behind the comments from the senior leaders was to motivate ministers to make more frequent visits.