NCP Selects Parth Pawar as Candidate for Rajya Sabha Elections
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, February 26 (NationPress) - The working president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-Ajit Pawar faction), Praful Patel, declared on Thursday that Parth Ajit Pawar, the elder son of former national president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has been designated as the party's candidate for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections slated for March 16.
This announcement was made during a crucial meeting of the party's national executive, representing a major organizational shift following the passing of Ajit Pawar.
Praful Patel noted that the decision to nominate Parth Pawar was reached unanimously by the party's core committee, which includes prominent leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, and Dilip Walse Patil.
Given the party's current legislative strength, Parth Pawar is anticipated to secure a six-year term in the Rajya Sabha, as the vote quota stands at 37, while the party holds 40 legislators in the Assembly.
The meeting also ratified the appointment of Sunetra Pawar, the widow of Ajit Pawar and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, as the national president of the NCP-Ajit Pawar faction.
According to the Election Commission's regulations, candidates must submit their nomination papers by March 5.
While addressing party members, Praful Patel emphasized that the leadership is united in support of this decision.
He stated, “The Nationalist Congress Party has resolved that Parth Ajit Pawar will be our candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat for which elections have been declared.”
There has been ongoing speculation in political circles about Parth Pawar's potential elevation to a significant organizational position at the national level, although no official announcements have been made regarding this.
This nomination arrives at a pivotal moment for the party as it navigates leadership reorganization following recent events.
During the meeting, Sunetra Pawar addressed party officials and workers, reaffirming her dedication to uphold Ajit Pawar's political vision and legacy.
In the same meeting, Praful Patel was re-elected as the working president of the party, while Sunil Tatkare was re-elected as the state president of Maharashtra.