NCP (SP) plans leadership overhaul with younger faces

Leaders are acknowledging the necessity of evolving to stay relevant amidst Maharashtra’s changing political landscape.

New Delhi: Amid speculations of a thaw between Sharad Pawar-led NCP and his nephew Ajit Pawar’s camp, the octogenarian leader this week ruled out any such possibility of a merger. He emphasised the need to “reclaim” the NCP’s past glory and urged party leaders and workers to stand united, focusing on revitalising the organisation.

Following a two-day meeting in Mumbai on Wednesday and Thursday, the entire organisation, including its MPs and MLAs, expressed full support for Sharad Pawar.

The party which won only 10 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, while Ajit Pawar’s camp secured 41 seats, is determined to strengthen it position and reclaim a prominent role in Maharashtra politics. The party is reportedly planning a major internal revamp to reinvigorate its political standing.

A party insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Sunday Guardian, “Time has come for the party to undergo a major internal revamp. Our top leader (Sharad Pawar) emphasised this in the meeting. For the party’s success, we need to infuse fresh energy with younger leaders who can energise our cadre and instil new enthusiasm.”

This shift indicates that NCP (SP) leaders are acknowledging the necessity of evolving to stay relevant amidst Maharashtra’s rapidly changing political landscape. The leadership, seen as ageing in recent years, is increasingly focusing on bringing in younger faces to connect with the state’s younger electorate and maintain momentum.

With speculations swirling, the NCP is likely to overhaul its internal leadership structure soon, including possibly replacing the current state president, Jayant Patil. Party workers have expressed dissatisfaction with Patil’s leadership following the party’s poor performance in the Assembly elections.

When being asked to comment on this, a party insider privy to the details said, “There will be a total revamp within the party, with new faces stepping in.”

Although insiders hinted at a total revamp of the party leadership, they refrained from commenting on the possibility of Sharad Pawar’s grand-nephew, Rohit Pawar, being appointed as the new state president.

While speculation surrounds the potential elevation of Sharad Pawar’s grand-nephew, Rohit Pawar, to the role of state president, insiders refrained from confirming or denying the possibility. However, they hinted at the inclusion of younger faces across all positions in the party, leaving open the possibility of Rohit Pawar’s appointment.

These developments comes ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in Mumbai. A strong performance in the BMC elections could help the NCP regain its political footing, particularly in Mumbai, where the party has traditionally held significant influence.