NCP Vows to Regain National Status After Historic Success in Maharashtra Assembly Elections

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Ajit Pawar emphasised the need to expand his party at the national level following its significant success in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Speaking at a meeting of NCP leaders and workers in New Delhi on Thursday, Pawar highlighted the importance of working towards regaining the party's status as a national political force. "Our party was once a national party. To reclaim that status, we need to work harder now. We will fight, and we will achieve success," he said.

Pawar also announced plans for a national convention to be held after December, during which responsibilities within the party will be assigned. He promised whoever demonstrates the ability to deliver results will be given opportunities. The NCP chief also pledged to bring in the younger generation and ensure women receive full opportunities for participation.

NCP MP Praful Patel reiterated the party's progress, noting that it is now recognised in three states. "We will not stop. To regain the status of a national party, our next target is the Delhi Assembly elections. We will contest, and I am confident we will make an impact and achieve success," he said.

Patel also lauded the party's recent victories, saying, "I congratulate Ajit Pawar and all the party workers and leaders of the NCP for the tremendous victory of the NCP and Mahayuti in Maharashtra. The NCP was once a national party, but in recent years, its reach has diminished."

The NCP chief also criticised the Opposition for questioning the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the Maharashtra polls. "In the parliamentary elections, the EVMs were acceptable because the results favoured them (Maha Vikas Aghadi). However, when the assembly election results are different, they conveniently blame the EVMs," he remarked.

The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats in the 280-member Maharashtra Assembly, while its allies--the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar --won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has yet to finalise its choice for Chief Minister of Maharashtra.