Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) national president Sunetra Pawar on Wednesday, 10 June used the party's 27th Foundation Day to call upon workers to redouble their commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous, and progressive Maharashtra — and to honour the memory of the late Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash near Baramati on 28 January. The occasion marked the first Foundation Day observed without the former NCP president and former Deputy Chief Minister.

Sunetra Pawar's Message to the Party

Addressing workers and office-bearers, Sunetra Pawar urged members to draw inspiration from the ideals of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar and to follow the progressive path charted by the late Yashwantrao Chavan. She pledged to carry forward Ajit Pawar's legacy and ideals, describing the occasion as one tinged with grief.

'In this journey, the unwavering support from countless leaders, office-bearers, workers and the people has truly been our greatest strength. But as we celebrate this year's Foundation Day, a different emotion wells up in the heart. Because today, our respected Ajit Dada is no longer with us,' she said.

She added: 'Speeches will be delivered in the assembly halls, gatherings of workers will take place, the party flag will flutter with equal pride, but in every moment, a void will linger. Dada was not just a leader of the party; he was the pillar of support... The human being was at the centre of the politics he nurtured.'

Tributes from Senior Leaders

NCP national working president Praful Patel congratulated party workers and office-bearers, saying: 'I am grateful to you all for your tireless efforts and dedication in taking our ideology to every last person, guiding our path to serve the people selflessly. May we continue working together with utmost commitment and determination.'

Party's Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar said the NCP was moving forward with renewed confidence under Sunetra Pawar's leadership. 'Carrying forward the legacy of progressive thought and the goal of inclusive development, the party is more firmly committed to serving the people,' he said. He also recalled Ajit Pawar's 'development-oriented, people-centric and result-driven working style' as a continuing source of inspiration.

Foundation Day Dedicated to Ajit Pawar's Memory

The Maharashtra NCP unit, in a separate post on X, formally dedicated the 27th Foundation Day to the memory of Ajit Pawar. The party stated that over 27 years it had consistently worked to give voice to the hopes and aspirations of farmers, labourers, women, youth, and marginalised sections across Maharashtra.

'To secure justice for people's issues, open new avenues of development and strengthen Maharashtra's progressive ideals, the party has stood shoulder to shoulder with the people in every struggle,' the party said.

The Road Ahead for NCP

This comes amid a period of organisational consolidation for the NCP following Ajit Pawar's death. Sunetra Pawar's public messaging on the Foundation Day signals an intent to project continuity and stability. The NCP described its journey as 'more than a political movement,' framing it as a reflection of public trust, social responsibility, and commitment to welfare — a positioning that will be tested in the electoral cycles ahead in Maharashtra.