Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar arrives to attend the Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, at Vidhan Bhavan, in Mumbai on July 19, 2023. Photo Credit: PTI
To secure Ajit Pawar’s hold on the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister’s rebel NCP faction will organize a week-long social activities on the occasion of Mr. Ajit Pawar’s 64th birthday.th Birthday on 22 July.
The week from July 22 to 31 will be celebrated as ‘Ajit Utsav’ in Maharashtra, Sunil Tatkare, who has been appointed NCP state president of the rebel group led by Ajit Pawar, said.
Mr. Tatkare, however, emphasized that keeping in mind the plight of farmers suffering crop damage due to heavy rains, the week-long festivities would have special focus on constructive social activities.
The rebel NCP faction cadre proposed to distribute books, water filters and cycles to school students while organizing health and skill development camps, along with tree plantation and sanitation drives.
The move follows two ‘surprise’ visits (on July 16 and 17) by Mr Ajit Pawar with ministers and MLAs from the rebel camp rebelling against his uncle Sharad Pawar and splitting the party. Established by the senior Pawar and aligning himself with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena coalition government.
It is believed that in the meetings, the Ajit Pawar faction tried to win over Mr. Sharad Pawar in the interest of “party unity”. The 82-year-old NCP chief, however, made it clear that he would forge an alliance only with “progressive forces” and not the BJP.
Sources said that the objective of ‘Ajit Utsav’ was clearly to present Mr. Ajit Pawar not only as the leader in charge of his party, but also as a mass leader in the state at present, with his extensive expertise in administrative matters across departments. To demonstrate knowledge.
Mr. Tatkare said that Mr. Ajit Pawar has consistently given priority to development in all the positions he has held in the state, be it as a seven-time MLA from Baramati, Deputy Chief Minister, Opposition Be it as a leader of the bank or have participation in the co-operative and rural banking sectors.
“Mr. Ajit Pawar’s forthright and forthright style may not be liked by all, but the people of Maharashtra admire his clarity of thought and expression. He has always worked tirelessly and ensured timely justice to all, Mr. Tatkare said.