Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 5: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Thursday released a campaign video featuring late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, recorded during the run-up to the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in Maharashtra.
The election campaign for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis concluded on Thursday, with polling scheduled for February 7 and vote counting on February 9.
In the one-minute and 28-second video, Ajit Pawar is seen appealing to voters to support the NCP. The footage was recorded at his Devagiri residence on January 24, just four days before his death. Ajit Pawar later died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28.
Addressing voters in the video, Pawar highlighted the importance of rural development and focused on key issues such as farmers’ welfare, women’s empowerment, employment opportunities for youth and access to basic amenities. He said the elections were crucial in determining who should be entrusted with the responsibility of developing villages, talukas and districts.
“Zilla Parishads are the backbone of rural development. They are directly connected to essential concerns such as water supply, roads, healthcare, education, agriculture and employment,” Pawar said. Emphasising the party’s track record, he added that the NCP has consistently prioritised rural areas and addressed issues ranging from agriculture and women’s empowerment to youth employment and dignity for senior citizens.
Describing himself as a leader who delivers on promises, Pawar said, “I am not just a man of my word, but a man of work. Keeping my word is my identity.”
He further spoke about the party’s vision to introduce modern technology, artificial intelligence and digital tools to improve water management, road construction, healthcare services and agricultural practices in rural regions. Concluding his appeal, he urged voters to back NCP candidates, promising transparent, efficient and people-centric governance.
“Give us an opportunity to serve. We will not let your trust be broken, and there will be no shortage of funds for development work. This is my assurance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare took a swipe at the Sharad Pawar-led faction over claims of a possible merger between the two NCP groups. Without naming individuals, Tatkare questioned why merger discussions surfaced during the last rites of Ajit Pawar and why some leaders spoke about it publicly even before the funeral.
“Why were such statements made in haste? Were the discussions about a merger linked to bringing someone else in as deputy chief minister?” Tatkare asked, adding that the swearing-in of Sunetra Pawar and any merger talks were entirely separate matters.
He clarified that any decision regarding the post of the party’s national president would be taken only after consulting party MLAs, office-bearers and workers.
Referring to Ajit Pawar’s death in the plane crash, Tatkare said he has demanded a comprehensive investigation by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. He also called for a high-level probe and urged that the findings be made public at the earliest.