Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS): The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Wednesday named Smita Patil, the eldest daughter of the late Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil, as the party's state Women Youth President.

The appointment comes at a critical time for Smita Patil, 24, as the state prepares for a mini-general election involving a majority of municipal corporations, councils and local civic bodies starting next month, NCP state President Sunil Tatkare said.

Tatkare also indicated that the NCP was prepared for an alliance with the Congress for the upcoming legislative council and civic elections and awaited the Congress' response.

One of the most respected and young leaders in the state, Raosaheb Ramrao Patil passed away in February 2015, at the age of 58, after a prolonged battle with oral cancer.

The lawyer-turned politician is survived by his wife, children Smita, Supriya and Rohit, and aged mother Bhagirathi.

Later, his widow Suman was nominated by the NCP to contest the Tasgaon assembly seat and won it with a handsome margin.

An arts graduate, Smita Patil has already carved a niche for herself by leading several agitations seeking prohibition, empowering women and girls, and other social causes in the state since 2011.