Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 16: The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) on Monday announced an aggressive electoral push ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Maharashtra, declaring that it will contest elections to all municipal corporations in the state. The party said it aims to present itself as a governance-focused and people-oriented alternative with a strong emphasis on urban civic issues.

Welcoming the Election Commission’s decision to schedule the municipal elections for January 15, the party described the move as vital for reinforcing grassroots democracy and restoring the importance of urban local bodies. NCP-SP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said the organisation is fully prepared to enter the electoral fray under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, whom he described as experienced and resolute.

Tapase said the party’s campaign will revolve around clean governance, transparency and long-term urban planning. He added that everyday concerns such as roads and infrastructure, public health services, education, drinking water supply and job creation will form the core of the party’s agenda. According to him, the municipal elections offer citizens a chance to judge the performance of those currently in power and opt for leadership that understands the growing pressures faced by cities.

Launching an attack on the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Tapase claimed the coalition is internally divided and vulnerable to collapse due to infighting among its partners. He alleged that political rivalry within the alliance has taken precedence over governance and public interest, a situation that, he said, would become evident during the civic polls as allies end up competing against each other.

He further asserted that voters across Maharashtra are growing weary of what he termed opportunistic politics and are increasingly inclined towards leaders with experience and credibility. Emphasising Sharad Pawar’s leadership, Tapase said the NCP-SP is entering the elections with confidence and a clear vision, and expressed hope that the results would mark a significant shift in the state’s urban political landscape.