Mumbai, June 8 (IANS) The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has postponed its 27th Foundation Day event to Thursday, June 11, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened a crucial meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in New Delhi on Wednesday, June 10.
NCP state president and MP Sunil Tatkare shared the information at a press conference on Monday.
The high-level NDA meeting in the national capital will be attended by alliance partners, Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers and key leaders from across the country.
Tatkare said it was imperative for him and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to attend the meeting 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 further noted that the party had joined the NDA under ‘Dada’s’ (Ajit Pawar’s) leadership and had actively participated in alliance meetings after the Lok Sabha elections.
He added that the upcoming meeting would not only honour PM Modi but also deliberate on the future roadmap of a united and strong NDA.
Tatkare clarified that the press conference was organised to inform NCP workers across Maharashtra that only the date had been changed, while the venue — Shanmukhananda Hall — and the scheduled time would remain the same.
This will be the first Foundation Day celebrated by the party following the demise of Ajit Pawar.
Tatkare said National President and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar had taken charge of the party’s leadership with restraint and courage, and that the process of rebuilding the organisation was underway.
Looking ahead, Tatkare said the party was preparing to face the electorate as part of the NDA in 2029.
He said that while some Zilla Parishad elections had concluded, others were pending.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the 50 per cent reservation cap, these local body elections are expected to be held around October-November.
Consequently, a statewide tour by Sunetra Pawar is being planned.
The party has also laid out its Special Investment Region (SIR) programme.
Tatkare said priority was being given to strengthening organisational structures from the booth level to the state and national levels.
He said the 27th Foundation Day would be dedicated to ‘Dada’ and celebrated with the core values of “Dedication, Struggle and Resolve”.
Meanwhile, Tatkare announced on Monday that party leaders would soon meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss reclaiming the Finance Ministry portfolio.
The portfolio was handed over to the Chief Minister following the demise of the state’s former Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar.
The statement has triggered speculation in political circles over whether the NCP will regain control of the crucial ministry ahead of the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature.
The monsoon session is scheduled to commence in Mumbai on June 22.
Reliable sources said senior NCP leaders were making concerted efforts to resolve the portfolio allocation issue before the session begins.
Following the death of then Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, the Finance portfolio held by the NCP was temporarily transferred to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis against the backdrop of the Budget session.
However, more than four months later, the department has not been returned to the NCP, reportedly causing discontent among some party leaders.
Previously, during an NCP core committee meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar had also expressed concern over the delayed reallocation of the Finance Ministry.
When asked about the issue, Tatkare said top NCP leaders would soon meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to formally seek the return of the department to the party.
Tatkare’s remarks have reignited discussions over portfolio-related friction within the Mahayuti government.
Given that the Finance Ministry is considered one of the most powerful and strategically important portfolios in the state administration, the final decision is expected to carry significant political implications.
All eyes are now on the proposed meeting between Chief Minister Fadnavis and the senior NCP leadership.
–IANS
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