NCP Sounds Poll Bugle: Party Prepares for Elections with New Appointments and Internal Elections

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) recently held a core committee meeting led by party chief Sharad Pawar to discuss the party's organizational structure and upcoming elections. The meeting focused on the prevailing political situation, particularly the anti-incumbency sentiment against the Shinde-Fadnavis government in Maharashtra, similar to what was witnessed in the recent Karnataka assembly elections.

As a result, it was decided that the party machinery would undergo a comprehensive overhaul.

To facilitate the internal elections, the NCP has appointed Jaiprakash Dandegaonkar and Dilip Walse-Patil as returning officers for Maharashtra and Mumbai, respectively. These officers will soon announce the schedule for organizational elections in different districts of Maharashtra and Mumbai. Additionally, booth-level workers will be appointed within the next two months in every constituency, as the party prepares for the upcoming local body elections in the state and the general elections next year.

Former NCP ministers have been assigned as in-charges for various districts, responsible for overseeing the party's organizational affairs within their respective Lok Sabha and legislative assembly constituencies. They will tour assembly constituencies extensively to ensure effective coordination between local party leaders and affiliated frontal organizations.

As the NCP approaches its 24th year since its inception, the party's state chief, Jayant Patil, announced plans for a grand event in Ahmednagar to celebrate its foundation day. Patil expressed optimism about the party's prospects in Maharashtra, citing the conducive atmosphere for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance after Eknath Shinde's departure from Shiv Sena to join hands with the BJP. Patil and the people of Maharashtra eagerly await the announcement of the elections.

Reflecting on the 2019 Assembly polls, in which the NCP won 54 seats, Patil emphasized the importance of booth committees in assembly constituencies, which contributed to the party's success. Therefore, this time around, the NCP aims to establish booth committees as early as possible in all segments to enhance its performance in the elections.