Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 22: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar has postponed its one-day state-level chintan shivir scheduled for September 27 in Nashik amid the worsening drought-like situation in parts of Maharashtra.
The decision was formally announced by NCP national president Sunetra Pawar after she met senior party leader and minister Chhagan Bhujbal and spoke with party MP Parth Pawar.
The move comes as prolonged dry spells have affected standing crops and added to concerns over the financial condition of farmers. Reports have highlighted extended rainfall deficits and crop losses in several parts of Maharashtra, with demands growing for drought-related relief.
The party had been preparing for the Nashik gathering, with Bhujbal hosting the event and accommodation arranged for ministers, MLAs and senior functionaries at hotels across the city.
Some party leaders, however, expressed concern that holding a high-profile political gathering amid the agricultural crisis could send an inappropriate message. Following internal discussions, the party decided to postpone the event.
The timing was also considered sensitive as Agriculture Minister Datta Bharne was scheduled to hold a regional review meeting on the drought situation in Nashik on September 26.
The chintan shivir was expected to discuss the party’s organisational roadmap, preparations for elections to 22 Zilla Parishads, a proposed statewide tour by Sunetra Pawar, ministers and party functionaries to strengthen booth-level organisation, and voter enrolment.
The proposed gathering was also to take place amid organisational differences within the party and legal proceedings concerning Sunetra Pawar’s election as national president and the reconstitution of the NCP’s national executive and working committee.
The postponement comes amid growing concern over drought-like conditions in Maharashtra. The state government has begun assessing crop damage and relief requirements, while demands for a formal drought declaration and assistance to affected farmers have increased.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the formation of a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to examine the situation and take decisions on relief measures.
Meanwhile, Sunetra Pawar urged NCP ministers, legislators and office-bearers to work proactively with local administrations and focus on relief measures and the emerging drought situation in their respective regions.