Should NCP-SP Focus on Revival Rather Than Worry About Split?

Pune, June 10 (NationPress) NCP-SP leader Sharad Pawar addressed party workers on Tuesday, dismissing any speculation regarding a merger or alliance with the Ajit Pawar faction. He emphasized that while the party faced a split in July 2023, it is set to rejuvenate by incorporating new faces and engaging the youth. During his speech, marking the party's 26th foundation day, Pawar urged members to prepare for rigorous efforts to restore the party's strength and not to fixate on the split.

He advised party workers to ignore rumors surrounding a merger with the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar, particularly as local and civic body elections approach.

“Our party experienced a split, which we did not anticipate. However, those who remain are dedicated to our core ideology. When elections arrive, we will witness a revitalized scenario. I recall being in power in 1980, where we elected 50 to 52 MLAs, but within six months, only 6 remained loyal. Yet, subsequent elections saw our numbers rise. After the NCP was established in 1999, we achieved a remarkable victory with 72 seats. Therefore, focus on unity and commitment to the people, and the outcomes will be favorable,” he stated, amid supportive chants from party members.

Pawar commended the state unit head Jayant Patil for his contributions, responding to Patil's suggestion to step down to allow emerging leaders to take the reins.

“We will consider all options and make a decision that includes our younger members and new talents across every district. Our party has countless capable individuals, and it's our duty to elevate them and cultivate future leadership,” he noted.

He urged party activists to concentrate on the upcoming local and civic elections and ramp up their preparations.

“Your primary focus should be on this for the next three months. We will reconvene after the elections,” he declared, announcing that the party will allocate 50% of local election seats to women.

Pawar reminisced about his time as defense minister when he initiated the recruitment of women into the military.

“Once the opportunity was given, women demonstrated their ability and earned public trust, particularly evident during Operation Sindoor, where two female soldiers made a significant impact. If given the opportunity, women can exhibit their skills. The Nationalist Congress Party has decided to reserve 50% of seats for women in these elections. Let’s ensure that women secure half of the positions in local bodies,” he explained.

Pawar also outlined a strategic plan for party revival, urging members to enhance voter outreach and engage with all societal segments.

He reiterated that even in opposition, the party must remain proactive in addressing the issues faced by various communities.

In other news, NCP-SP leader from Patan constituency Satyajit Patankar, son of veteran leader Vikramsinh Patankar, has joined the BJP.