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A section of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has attributed the party’s debacle in the Assembly polls to factionalism, poor coordination and a weak publicity strategy.
Some leaders — at a two-day meeting convened last week by state unit chief Sunil Tatkare with district unit chiefs and office-bearers — also attributed the party’s rout to faulty electronic voting machines. Some functionaries urged the party leadership to sack those who encouraged division and worked against party’s candidates.
Some leaders argued the NCP failed to improve its image, which had taken a beating due to corruption charges against former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and former Water Resources Minister Sunil Tatkare and other party ministers.
Tatkare told Business Standard: “Some leaders did bring to the party’s notice lapses during the poll campaign. A few complained about internal bickering and a campaign run by some against an NCP nominee. However, (party chief Sharad) Pawar has asked all party members to focus on strengthening the organisation and conduct extensive tours in their respective districts and constituencies.” The message was clear that party members should gear up for the elections to the civic and local bodies next year, he added.
Tatkare said the decision to extend outside support to the BJP government did not come up for discussion.
Ajit Pawar asked elected representatives and district leaders to take up issues related to farmers, workers, the drought-like situation and lapses in the implementation of relief measures by the state government.
A former minister said the party fund was inadequate and in some constituencies, publicity materials were insufficient. “The party was prepared to contest about 140 seats but had to field nominees in 280. The time was too short to reach out to the voters,” he added.
