With ex-MP and Bhujbal nephew as city unit chief, Ajit Pawar group plans to expand base in Mumbai

“We never managed to win more seats in Mumbai. Our only Lok Sabha victory was in the form of Sanjay Dina Patil. Even we leaders are responsible for this. We could not give much attention to Mumbai, while working in the rest of Maharashtra. But Sameer knows how Mumbai works and he has a vision. Sameer now has a responsibility to bring a revolution in Mumbai,” said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, speaking at the function where Sameer’s name was announced as the party’s Mumbai unit chief.

Sameer, 49, a former Lok Sabha MP from Nashik is known as his uncle’s ‘backstage’ man with a reputation of getting things done. He too was arrested along with Chhagan Bhujbal in a money laundering case in 2016 and was later released on bail in June 2018. An OBC leader of the party, Sameer has deep connection with Mumbai, just like his uncle Chhagan.

Pawar, in his address at the function, stressed that despite him joining hands with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena, he has not compromised on the “original ideology” of the party.

“We have not given up the ideology of Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar. We have joined the government for the development. We are constantly holding meetings in Mumbai to solve the issues concerning common citizens. The power should be used to solve people’s issues. People of all castes, religions will be taken together. Dalits, Muslims, backward classes, tribals will be taken along while walking on this path of development,” he said.

He also advised Sameer to work on increasing the party’s strength ward wise.

“We must admit certain lacunae of ours. But now party organisation should be strengthened in every ward and workers will be given strength. Special attention will be given to Mumbai and we will spare special time for it,” he said.

Pawar even asked Sameer to give a list of party workers who should be nominated on district planning committees of Mumbai city and Mumbai suburbs.

“As a planning department’s minister, it is my right to appoint workers. Give me 12 names,” he said.

When asked about the appointment, Sameer said that it was time for the NCP to have a strong impression on the BMC.

“We need to approach people, solve their issues and work for the party. The past presidents have done a great foundational work on which we have to build the party,” he said.