NEW DELHI: Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday commended the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its members’ dedication. He also called on his own party to develop a similarly committed worker base focused on the philosophies of Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, BR Ambedkar, and Yeshwantrao Chavan.
During a meeting with party workers in south Mumbai, the former Union minister observed that RSS cadres demonstrate strong loyalty to the organization’s ideology. “We, too, should have such a cadre base which is committed to the ideology of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, BR Ambedkar and Yashwantrao Chavan,” Pawar said.
Pawar addressed the NCP(SP)’s poor showing in the recent Maharashtra assembly elections, contrasting it with their earlier success in the Lok Sabha polls. He attributed the decline to complacency within the party following the parliamentary wins, while the ruling BJP-led alliance actively worked to address its losses. The NCP(SP) won eight of ten Lok Sabha seats contested but secured only ten of nearly ninety seats in the assembly elections.
Pawar admitted the party’s failure to connect with the OBC community, a key voter base, regarding their efforts for the community’s advancement. He emphasized the importance of “social engineering” to address caste divisions in the Marathwada region, citing recent incidents of violence and historical tensions. He recalled his own experience as Maharashtra CM during the Marathwada university renaming controversy, emphasizing the need for engagement and similar strategies now.
Looking ahead, Pawar announced that the NCP(SP) will allocate 50% of tickets to new candidates in upcoming local body elections. He also indicated plans to restructure the party organization for greater strength. The NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) is a member of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
