"Our party was once a national party, to reclaim that status, we need to work harder now": Ajit Pawar hints at spreading NCP's footprints

New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Ajit Pawar on Thursday emphasised the need to expand his party at the national level following its significant success in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Speaking at the NCP meeting in the national capital, Pawar highlighted the importance of working towards regaining the party's status as a national political force.
"Our party was once a national party. To reclaim that status, we need to work harder now. We will fight, and we will achieve success," he said.
Pawar also announced plans for a national convention to be held after December, during which responsibilities within the party will be assigned.
"Whoever demonstrates the ability to deliver results will be given opportunities. We want to bring the younger generation forward and ensure women receive full opportunities. Women have shown strong support for the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. This election marks the first time such a large number of MLAs from any alliance have been elected," he added.
The NCP chief criticised the Opposition for questioning the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the Maharashtra polls.
"In the parliamentary elections, the EVMs were acceptable because the results favoured them (Maha Vikas Aghadi). However, when the assembly election results are different, they conveniently blame the EVMs," he remarked.
NCP MP Praful Patel reiterated the party's progress, noting that it is now recognised in three states.
"We will not stop. To regain the status of a national party, our next target is the Delhi Assembly elections. We will contest, and I am confident we will make an impact and achieve success," Patel said.
Patel also lauded the party's recent victories, saying, "I congratulate Ajit Pawar and all the party workers and leaders of the NCP for the tremendous victory of the NCP and Mahayuti in Maharashtra. The NCP was once a national party, but in recent years, its reach has diminished. However, we have seen a turnaround recently, winning seven seats in Nagaland and three seats in Arunachal Pradesh, where we secured 10.6% of the votes."
The Maharashtra Assembly election results were declared on November 23, but the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has yet to finalise its choice for Chief Minister.
The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats in the 280-member Maharashtra Assembly, while its allies--the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar--won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (ANI)