NCP Working President Praful Patel has clarified that his party will not compromise on the ideology of Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar, even while remaining in the alliance. He stated that this was made clear to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 when the party joined the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition.
NCP Ideology: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Working President Praful Patel made a significant statement on Friday, saying that the party will adhere to the ideology of Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar, even while remaining in the alliance. He stated that in 2023, before joining the government with the BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, the party had made this clear to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patel said that despite questions from the opposition, the party will not abandon its core policies and the principles of social reformer leaders, and this will be part of its strategy in the upcoming elections.
No Compromise on Ideology While Remaining in the Alliance
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Working President Praful Patel clarified on Friday that the party will not compromise on the ideology of Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar, even while remaining in the alliance. He stated that when the NCP joined the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition in 2023, this was clearly conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patel reiterated that the party will remain based on the policies of social reformers Jyotiba Phule, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, and this will determine its political direction.
In 2023, under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, a large faction of the NCP separated from Sharad Pawar's undivided party and decided to join the government with the BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction). In this context, Praful Patel's statement underlines the party's political commitment and ideology.
Condition Placed During Meeting with PM Modi
At an event, Praful Patel said that when the NCP first met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they made it clear that they were ready to cooperate with any ideology, but there would be no compromise on the ideology of Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar. He said, "We will work accordingly, and there will be no compromise in this matter."
This statement comes at a time when the opposition was constantly questioning how the NCP would maintain its ideology while in power. Praful Patel clarified that joining the alliance will not affect the party's core thinking and identity.
Response to Opposition and Indication of Upcoming Elections
Although Praful Patel did not name any opposition party, his statement is clearly considered a response to the opposition. He said that even while in power, the NCP will remain committed to its fundamental thinking and values.
In view of the upcoming elections, this statement holds special significance. Strengthening its hold on the OBC and Dalit communities in Maharashtra is challenging for all parties. In such a situation, the NCP's emphasis on the ideology of Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar is also being seen as part of the party's strategic electoral preparation.
