Praful Patel, the working president of the NCP-Ajit Pawar faction, announced that Parth Ajit Pawar, the elder son of the late Ajit Pawar, will be contesting the Rajya Sabha elections on March 16. This decision was made during a key meeting of the party’s national executive, reflecting a significant organizational move post Ajit Pawar’s passing.
The selection of Parth Pawar as the candidate was unanimously agreed upon by the party’s core committee, which includes prominent leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, and Dilip Walse Patil. With the party holding 40 legislators in the Assembly against the required 37 votes, Parth Pawar is anticipated to secure a six-year term in the Rajya Sabha.
Furthermore, Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s widow and the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has been appointed as the national president of the NCP-Ajit Pawar faction. The party workers were assured by Praful Patel that the leadership is fully supportive of this decision, emphasizing unity within the party.
Candidates are instructed to submit their nomination papers by March 5 as per the Election Commission’s timetable. While there have been speculations about Parth Pawar assuming a significant national organizational role, no official confirmation has been issued yet. This nomination comes at a crucial juncture for the party amidst ongoing leadership restructuring efforts.
During the meeting, Sunetra Pawar reaffirmed her dedication to carrying forward Ajit Pawar’s political vision and organizational legacy. Additionally, Praful Patel was re-elected as the working president of the party, and Sunil Tatkare retained his position as the Maharashtra state president.
