NCP Prioritizes Organizational Strength Under Sunetra Pawar's Leadership
Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel declared on Friday that the party's immediate focus is on consolidating its organizational structure and rallying behind Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Sunetra Pawar is set to assume the role of NCP's national president within the coming fortnight, following the recent passing of Ajit Pawar.
Unanimous Support for Sunetra Pawar
Patel confirmed that Sunetra Pawar stands as the sole candidate for the position of party chief. He stated that she will formally take over after the completion of necessary internal procedures. "Our priority is to stand together, rally behind Sunetra Pawar and complete the organizational process," Patel emphasized, according to reports from the Press Trust of India.
He further added that the party will concentrate on strengthening its base across Maharashtra in the upcoming period. This strategic shift follows the NCP's recent performance in local body elections, where the party demonstrated significant gains.
Electoral Success Fuels Rebuilding Efforts
The emphasis on rebuilding the party's structure is directly linked to its electoral achievements. Patel highlighted a strong showing in the Pune Zilla Parishad and notable gains in other district councils, including Kolhapur. The party also secured successes in several panchayat samitis, providing momentum for organizational consolidation.
Dismissing Merger Speculation
When questioned about ongoing speculation regarding a potential merger between the NCP and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), Patel declined to comment. He made it clear that the party's focus remains firmly on organizational consolidation rather than engaging in political realignments at this time.
This stance comes just days after NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule revealed in New Delhi that merger discussions had been underway with Ajit Pawar prior to his sudden demise. Sule noted that there is currently no point in pursuing such discussions further, aligning with Patel's position on prioritizing internal stability.
High-Profile Meetings Spark Political Interest
Recent meetings between Patel, Sunetra Pawar, and top national leaders have generated considerable political speculation. The NCP leaders recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan in New Delhi.
Despite these high-profile interactions, party leaders have consistently insisted that their immediate priority remains ensuring organizational stability and unity. The NCP appears determined to navigate this transitional period by focusing on internal strengthening before considering broader political maneuvers.
The party's strategy underscores a commitment to rebuilding from within, leveraging recent electoral successes, and presenting a united front under Sunetra Pawar's emerging leadership as it prepares for future political challenges in Maharashtra and beyond.
