Sharad Pawar expressed confidence that 50% women will be given candidature in the upcoming elections.

At the 26th anniversary celebration of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) held in Pune, party founder and veteran leader Sharad Pawar delivered a powerful and forward-looking speech that set a clear direction for the party’s future. Emphasizing inclusivity, gender equality, and grassroots empowerment, Pawar’s address reinvigorated party workers and reiterated the NCP's core values.

A Party for the Common People

Reflecting on the foundation of the party, Pawar said, “I formed the Nationalist Congress Party so that a worker from a common background could get the opportunity to run the state.” He paid heartfelt tribute to the late R. R. Patil, recalling his stellar leadership in various roles including Home Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Rural Development Minister. “Despite coming from a humble background, RR Aaba excelled in every responsibility he was given,” Pawar noted, reaffirming the NCP’s identity as a party for the common man.

Strong Push for Women Empowerment

In a major announcement, Pawar declared, “50% of the seats in the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Municipal Corporation elections will be allocated to women.” Citing the successful leadership of two women during the campaign following the Pahalgam attack, he said, “If women are given responsibility, they carry it out with success.” He urged all party workers to take this commitment seriously and ensure its implementation on the ground.

Resilience Through Crisis

Addressing the recent political turbulence, Pawar admitted, “Many people left the party, but those who stayed were the loyal and honest workers. We faced several crises, but we rebuilt the party each time.” He appealed to workers to focus on their commitment rather than political desertions. “Ignore who comes and who goes. Power may be lost for a while — but it will return. Keep working with honesty,” he encouraged.

National Leadership and Global Relations

Expressing concerns about India’s current diplomatic posture, Pawar remarked, “Under Nehru's leadership, India took on a unifying global role. Today, however, the number of countries supporting us has declined.” He stressed the importance of dialogue in international relations and advised that national decisions should not be clouded by politics. “Only when decisions are inclusive of all castes, religions, and communities will the country truly progress.”

Encouraging New and Young Leadership

Highlighting the need to build future leadership, Pawar emphasized the importance of promoting promising youth within the party. “We should identify and encourage capable, intelligent youth from every taluka and district,” he said, adding that the party already has the leadership talent—it now needs to be brought to the forefront.

Conclusion

Sharad Pawar’s speech was not just a commemoration of the NCP's journey but a roadmap for its future. Blending political wisdom with emotional connect, he reinvigorated the party's base with a message of unity, service, and renewal. His vision for a more inclusive, youth-driven, and people-centric politics sets the tone for the NCP’s direction in the coming years.