The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) appointed former Maharashtra minister and MLC Shashikant Shinde as its new Maharashtra state president on Tuesday, succeeding Jayant Patil, who led the unit for seven years. NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar announced Shinde’s appointment during a general body meeting in Mumbai, confirmed party spokesperson Clyde Crasto.
Shinde’s candidacy was proposed by former minister Anil Deshmukh and supported by Shirur MP Amol Kolhe and former MLA Sunil Bhusara. Pawar, taking the floor, sought other contenders but, receiving none, declared Shinde the unanimous choice. Shinde, a commerce graduate and labor leader from Satara, has served as MLA from Jawali and Koregaon and as Water Resources Minister. He remained loyal to Pawar during the 2023 NCP split, despite losing the 2024 Satara Lok Sabha election.
Jayant Patil, addressing the meeting, thanked Pawar for his tenure and pledged continued service to the party. The leadership change comes as NCP (SP) prepares for upcoming municipal elections, aiming to strengthen its foothold in Maharashtra.
Also Read: NCP (SP) to Decide Maharashtra Leadership Amid Patil Resignation Buzz
Also Read: NCP (SP) to Decide Maharashtra Leadership Amid Patil Resignation Buzz