The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has postponed its 27th Foundation Day celebrations from Wednesday, June 10 to Thursday, June 11, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level National Democratic Alliance (NDA) review meeting in New Delhi on the same date. NCP state president and Member of Parliament Sunil Tatkare announced the schedule change at a press conference in Mumbai on Monday, June 8.

Why the Date Was Shifted

The NDA meeting on June 10 is expected to draw alliance partners, Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, and senior leaders from across the country. Tatkare said it was essential for both himself and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to attend on behalf of the party, following communication from the Chief Minister.

'Two years ago, the public reposed their faith in Narendra Modi and the NDA for a third consecutive term to serve the nation. This meeting will serve as a review of these two years, highlighting the country's progress, ongoing development and sustained economic growth even amidst global wartime shadows,' Tatkare said. He added that the gathering would also deliberate on the future roadmap of a united NDA ahead of 2029.

Foundation Day: Venue and Tribute to Ajit Pawar

The venue — Shanmukhananda Hall in Mumbai — and the scheduled time remain unchanged; only the date has been revised. Tatkare clarified this at the press conference to ensure NCP workers across Maharashtra were informed promptly.

Notably, this will be the first Foundation Day the party observes following the demise of Ajit Pawar, who led the faction into the NDA. The 27th Foundation Day will be dedicated to 'Dada' — as Ajit Pawar was widely known — and celebrated under the theme of 'Dedication, Struggle and Resolve.' Tatkare said Sunetra Pawar had assumed party leadership with restraint and courage, and that organisational rebuilding was actively underway.

Finance Ministry Row Resurfaces

Tatkare also announced that senior NCP leaders would soon meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to formally seek the return of the Finance Ministry portfolio to the party. The portfolio had been temporarily transferred to Fadnavis following Ajit Pawar's death during the Budget session. More than four months on, the department has not been reassigned to the NCP, reportedly causing discontent within the party.

During an earlier NCP core committee meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar had also flagged concern over the delayed reallocation. Tatkare's remarks have reignited discussions over portfolio friction within the Mahayuti government. Given that the Finance Ministry is among the most strategically significant portfolios in the state administration, the outcome of the proposed meeting is expected to carry considerable political weight.

Election Roadmap and Organisational Push

Looking ahead, Tatkare said the NCP was preparing to contest the 2029 elections as part of the NDA. On the local body front, while some Zilla Parishad elections have concluded, others remain pending. Following the Supreme Court's ruling on the 50 per cent reservation cap, those elections are expected around October–November. A statewide tour by Sunetra Pawar is being planned in preparation.

The party has also outlined its Special Investment Region (SIR) programme and is prioritising the strengthening of organisational structures from booth level upward. All eyes are now on the proposed meeting between Chief Minister Fadnavis and senior NCP leadership — particularly with the Maharashtra monsoon session scheduled to commence in Mumbai on June 22.