Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will kick off the Jan Samman Yatra, an outreach programme by the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), from Dindori in Nashik district on August 8, the party announced on Monday.
At a press conference, NCP working president Praful Patel emphasised the importance of the Ajit Pawar-led party and its allies in the ruling Mahayuti coalition, including the BJP and Shiv Sena, contesting and winning the upcoming state assembly election together.
The NCP displayed a united front at the press conference, with top leaders including Patel, senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal, cabinet ministers, and MLAs in attendance as they announced the yatra schedule.
Party officials stressed that the Jan Samman Yatra would not be limited to constituencies held by NCP MLAs. Leaders will also visit seats held by allies Shiv Sena and BJP, aiming to present a cohesive face of Mahayuti.
Patel stated that Pawar would engage with NCP workers to bolster their confidence and would also interact with BJP and Shiv Sena workers to foster camaraderie.
"We strive to include everyone. Ajit Pawar will meet workers from the Mahayuti alliance partners, the BJP and Shiv Sena, as we aim to secure a victory in the upcoming elections together. This yatra’s goal is to demonstrate that the NCP supports the common man of Maharashtra, and we have implemented our schemes fairly, without discrimination," Patel said.
The party's state president, Sunil Tatkare, described the yatra as operating in a hybrid model, with the leadership travelling by bus and supporters following in cars.
"Ajit Pawar will address meetings with women, youth, farmers, tribal people, and other marginalised sections of society, listening to their concerns and explaining the benefits of government schemes such as Majhi Ladki Bahin, Annapurna Yojana, Baliraja Vij Savlat Yojana, Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana, and a Rs 5,000 per hectare bonus for cotton and soybean farmers," Tatkare said.
The Jan Samman Yatra will remain in north Maharashtra for five days, covering 11 assembly constituencies across three districts. Pawar is scheduled to visit Dindori, Devlali, Sinnar, Niphad, Yeola, Kalwan, Chandwad, Dhule, Amalner, Kopargaon, and Malegaon.
Tatkare noted that the first phase of the yatra will cover western Maharashtra, Mumbai, and Vidarbha, concluding on August 31.
Former deputy chief minister Bhujbal added that the NCP is conducting the yatra to dispel fears stemming from negative narratives about the government. He asserted that the NCP leadership is committed to positivity and serving all societal segments, making extra efforts to uplift socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
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