Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar on Tuesday expressed disappointment as the veteran leader admitted that he never thought the party he founded 26 years ago would suffer a split.
" ... A split occurred in the party. We never thought that a split would take place in the party, but it happened. Some people went with other ideologies, and this split widened," he said without elaborating on the issue.
The NCP split in July 2023 after the veteran leader's nephew Ajit Pawar joined the then Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government.
The NCP (SP) chief appreciated workers of his outfit for taking it ahead despite challenges. "... The party faced some challenges, but you, without getting discouraged, continue to take the party ahead," he said addressing party workers at the 26th foundation day of NCP.
"Those who remained loyal to the party, it was because of our party's ideology," Sharad Pawar added.
Urging the party workers to not dwell on who have left the party, the veteran leader said that "we will not face any problems" if NCP (SP) stays united and remains committed to the public.
"Don't worry about power. If we remain united, power will follow. I can see that possibility emerging in the state. A different picture will prevail in the coming elections," he said while adding that the party workers who are dedicated to public service are the true strength of the party.
Pawar said with the civic polls around the corner in two to three months, the party leadership will talk to representatives of the NCP (SP) in every district and decide whether to contest the polls independently or in an alliance.
"We have to work and deliberate on how to give opportunities to the young leadership and need to see how we can field women in the civic and local body elections, as there is a 50 per cent quota for them," he added.
The veteran leader said that the party will create history by bringing new leadership in the state.
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