After taking oath as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Sunetra Pawar has called a key meeting of NCP MLAs and MLCs at her official residence ‘Devgiri’ in Mumbai. The meeting comes ahead of the February 23 budget session and is expected to focus on party discipline, strategy, and coordination with BJP
Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar to hold key meeting ahead of Budget session. File pic
After Sunetra Pawar’s appointment as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, the state’s political landscape is witnessing a major shift. Soon after arriving in Mumbai from Baramati, the Deputy CM has summoned a meeting at 'Devgiri', her official residence, on Monday evening.
The meeting, scheduled for 6 pm., marks the first major legislative event under Pawar’s leadership since she was elected as the legislature party leader and took the oath of office on January 31, following the passing of Ajit Pawar.
The meeting has drawn significant attention across the political spectrum across Maharashtra as she begins to consolidate her grip on both the government and the party.
A senior NCP leader, while briefing about the meeting called by Sunetra Pawar, said, “All Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Legislative Council (MLCs) from the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) have been issued strict directives to attend the meeting, which is taking place a week ahead of the commencement of the budget session of the state legislature on February 23 in Mumbai.”
“The primary agenda is to establish organisational discipline, review the current political climate in the state and formulate a roadmap for upcoming challenges while focusing on rebuilding and strengthening the party organisation. In addition, the meeting will also discuss further increasing coordination with the BJP, which heads the Mahayuti government, and also between the party and the government," the NCP leader further added.
Agenda of meeting
As reported by news agency IANS, a major flashpoint for Monday evening’s discussion will be the bribery allegations involving the office of Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal.
The incident has left Zirwal in a precarious position, especially after he reportedly went "not reachable" on Saturday morning, sparking intense speculation.
With the opposition aggressively demanding his resignation, Zirwal is likely to meet Sunetra Pawar on Monday. During the meeting, Zirwal will present his side of the story before the Core Committee. The leadership will review the facts of the case to determine the party's official stance, reported IANS.
NCP bracing for internal restructuring
Beyond the immediate crisis, another NCP leader indicated that the party is bracing for a significant internal restructuring.
The NCP leader emphasised, "Discussions regarding the appointment of a new National President are expected to top the agenda. The date and venue for the upcoming National Executive meeting will likely be finalised today. The entire selection and restructuring process is expected to be completed within the next two weeks, as per IANS.
(With inputs from IANS)
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