The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar announced on Sunday that his party, along with the Congress and Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray (UBT), will join forces to contest the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled for October this year.
Speaking at a press conference, Pawar emphasised the coalition's commitment to protect the interests of smaller allies who were part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The MVA coalition previously governed Maharashtra from November 2019 until its dissolution in June 2022 under Thackeray's leadership.
Pawar underscored the need for change in the state and expressed the coalition's collective responsibility to fulfil this mandate. Referring to the upcoming elections as their primary focus, he likened their electoral strategy to Arjuna's focus on his target in the epic Mahabharata.
Regarding seat-sharing arrangements for the assembly polls, Pawar mentioned that discussions have not yet commenced but are expected to begin soon.
He acknowledged the positive response received by the NCP, Shiv Sena, and Congress alliance in the recent Lok Sabha polls and stressed the importance of including other coalition partners like Left parties and the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) in the upcoming assembly elections.
Responding to questions about the state budget presented by the Eknath Shinde government, Pawar commented on the economic challenges faced by the state, likening the situation to venturing into a market with empty pockets. He hinted that the reality of the budget's impact would unfold in the coming days.
On a cultural note, Pawar expressed his intent to participate in the Wari pilgrimage procession, particularly welcoming the procession in Baramati, his hometown in Pune district.
The Wari, an ancient tradition, involves palanquins carrying the footprints of saints Tukaram and Dnyaneshwar Maharaj from Dehu and Alandi to Pandharpur's Vitthal temple, culminating on Ashadhi Ekadashi.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar added that the Maharashtra government plans to nominate the Pandharpur Wari for UNESCO World Heritage status, recognizing its thousand-year-old tradition.
The government also aims to enhance facilities for Wari pilgrims, announcing financial support and the establishment of a dedicated corporation for their welfare in the state budget.
The alliance between NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena prepares to contest Maharashtra's upcoming elections with a focus on inclusive governance and cultural preservation through initiatives like the Pandharpur Wari.
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