Maharashtra farmers’ strike: NCP will not celebrate 18th foundation day, but demand loan waivers

Mumbai city news: Mumbai president Sachin Ahir will lead a delegation to meet chief secretary Sumeet Mullick and give him a charter of demands

Following unrest among farmers, the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has decided not to celebrate its 18th foundation day in Maharashtra on June 10. Instead, the party’s district presidents will show solidarity with the farmers by submitting a charter of demands, including that of a farm loan waiver, to all collectors.

The NCP was formed on March 25, 1999 and officially launched on June 10. (HT File Photo)

In Mumbai, city president Sachin Ahir will lead a delegation to meet chief secretary Sumeet Mullick and give him the charter.

“We have decided not to celebrate in Maharashtra as the agrarian crisis is ongoing,” said a senior party leader, who did not wish to be identified.

The NCP was formed on March 25, 1999 and officially launched on June 10. The party, which remained in power for 15 years till 2014, celebrates its foundation day on a large scale. However, this is the second time the NCP has decided to keep celebrations low-key.

Last year, the party held only a small gathering in Mumbai, following the drought that left Maharashtra’s farmers reeling. This year, there will be a single gathering in New Delhi, where the party chief and senior leaders will assemble.

Pawar had taken just five days to form the party after he, PA Sangma and Tariq Anwar were expelled from the Congress for disputing the origins of party president Sonia Gandhi.The party’s performance had improved with every coming Assembly and general elections in Maharashtra.

However, it was badly hit during the 2014 Maharashtra Assembly polls, with its tally coming down to 41 seats from 63. It consequently lost power in the state and is still struggling to stay afloat.