Mumbai, February 23 (NationPress) In a heartfelt yet steadfast speech after her unanimous election as the NCP national president, Sunetra Pawar declared that the advancement of Maharashtra and the growth of the party are her foremost objectives. Speaking to party members at the national executive gathering, she acknowledged the significant absence created by the demise of the party's former president and her mentor, Ajit Pawar, who was affectionately called "Dada".

"We are still grappling with the sorrow of losing our esteemed leader, Dada. His departure has left a void in our lives and within the party that can never be filled," said Sunetra Pawar, who holds the distinction of being the first female Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

She stressed that Ajit Pawar committed his life to the progress of Maharashtra, advocating for the rights of farmers, youth, and women, while also bolstering the party's structure throughout the state.

Expressing her determination to realize his vision, she stated, "His aspirations will not go unrealized; collectively, we will elevate them to new heights."

Sunetra Pawar reflected on Ajit Pawar's presidency, which commenced on June 30, 2023, noting that during his approximately two-and-a-half-year leadership, the party experienced significant organizational growth and outreach.

She pointed out that he traversed Maharashtra to fortify the party's base and expand its organizational capacity at various levels.

“Under his leadership, the NCP participated in Lok Sabha elections, Maharashtra Assembly elections, and elections in Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Bihar. The party performed admirably in municipal corporations, councils, and 12 zilla parishads despite facing various challenges,” she remarked.

She announced her primary goal of restoring the NCP's 'national party' status and broadening its organizational presence across different regions.

While the party remains strongly anchored in rural Maharashtra, she stated there will be a renewed focus on enhancing support from urban voters and expanding its appeal across various societal segments.

She asserted that women are the "drivers of development" and reiterated her commitment to policies aimed at women's empowerment.

She promised to advance beyond initiatives like 'Ladki Bahin' towards a more comprehensive economic and administrative empowerment for women.

Continuing Ajit Pawar’s vision, she highlighted the party's advocacy for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture to boost productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

She emphasized her commitment to pursuing the "ideals and unfinished work" of Ajit Pawar, particularly his focus on governance centered around development and administrative efficiency.

Sunetra Pawar pledged to prioritize the welfare of women, youth, and marginalized communities, aiming for inclusive progress.

She specifically expressed her ambition to transform Maharashtra into a "just and egalitarian" state grounded in the principles of equality and social justice.

"This honor is not solely mine; it is shared by every grassroots worker and every mother and sister in this state," Pawar asserted.

She reaffirmed the party’s dedication to the ideologies of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Jyotirao Phule, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, along with the legacy of Yashwantrao Chavan, considered the architect of modern Maharashtra.

She also drew inspiration from prominent historical figures such as Rajmata Jijau, Ahilyadevi Holkar, Savitribai Phule, Maharani Tarabai, and her late mother-in-law Sharadabai Pawar.

In her closing remarks, Sunetra Pawar mentioned that she has set aside her personal grief in light of the larger responsibility bestowed upon her.

"Parth and Jay are not just my family; the entire NCP is my family. I vow to remain steadfast, not let power corrupt me, and never abandon the cause I have embraced," she concluded.