Mumbai, November 10 – The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has announced a new team of 17 spokespersons as Maharashtra’s local and civic elections get underway. The move comes amid growing pressure on party leader Ajit Pawar, who is facing scrutiny over a Pune land deal that involved his son, Parth Pawar.
### Who’s on the new spokesperson list?
The NCP’s pick includes seasoned politicians and activists, such as:
– Anil Patil
– Rupali Chakankar – chairperson of the State Women Commission
– Brijmohan Srivastava
– Chetan Tupe
– Anand Paranjape
– Avinash Adik
– Sana Malik
– Rajlaxmi Bhosale
– Suraj Chavan
– Hemlata Patil
– Pratibha Shinde
– Vikas Pasalkar
– Rajiv Sable
– Prashant Pawar
– Shyam Saner
– Sayali Dalvi
– Shashikant Tarange
The list also names Marathwada MP Prashant Pawar and other local leaders expected to play a key role in shaping the party’s narrative during the polls.
### Why the shake‑up?
The NCP’s decision comes as the opposition realigns its strategy. Shiv Sena’s Mahendra Dalvi, a minister‑to‑be from Alibag, has called out Ajit Pawar for “lying” to protect Parth Pawar in the land‑deal controversy. In response, the NCP has vowed to defend its leader and stands ready to counter the claim.
Inside the party, a few names disappeared from the roster. Ex‑MLA Amol Mitkari and Vaishali Nagwade were dropped after they sparked controversy by hitting back at MahaYuti alliance leaders. The party also removed former youth‑wing chief Rupali Patil from her spokesperson role over “anti‑party” remarks she made about the wife of a Surat councilor. The NCP suspended her and sent her a notice after she accused fellow party woman Rupali Chakankar of personal slander.
In a statement, Suraj Chavan was promoted to spokesperson despite a viral video earlier this year that alleged he assaulted a local protest leader. The video forced him to resign from the NCP youth wing, but he later returned to hold the position of state general secretary. The Maharashtra government even used him to draft a new youth policy for the state.
### A message from the party
Party spokesman Anand Paranjape said the new lineup “helps us present a unified stance to the people of Maharashtra.” He stressed that those omitted will still find work within the organization, and that the party remains focused on winning the upcoming civic polls.
Paranjape added, “This election is a test of the NCP’s vision. We’ve given each spokesperson the task of defending the party’s ideals, and standing up against opponents who try to undermine us.”
### What does it mean for voters?
For voters in Maharashtra, the announcement signals that the NCP is tightening its message. The new spokespeople will drive the party’s narrative on issues like local development, land use, and the alleged misuse of land deals. It also shows the NCP’s readiness to counter criticism from rival coalitions like the Shiv Sena‑led MahaYuti.
Meanwhile, critics will keep a close eye on the party’s handling of controversies and watch for any move that could suggest political opportunism rather than a commitment to public service.
In short, the NCP’s fresh lineup of spokespersons marks a clear attempt to rally support for Ajit Pawar and the party’s candidates as the municipal election clock ticks toward the final days. Will the change bring voters back in the NCP’s fold? Only the upcoming polls will reveal.
Source: ianslive
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