FRESH FACES AND A LACK OF HEAVYWEIGHTS TO DECIDE FUTURE
Mumbai: As the election approaches, the NCP (SP) is taking a bold risk by introducing a slate of fresh, youthful candidates driven by a need for new leadership, caste considerations, and an absence of political heavyweights. This strategy signifies a significant departure from traditional candidate selection, illustrating the party’s commitment to evolving alongside its electorate.
One notable newcomer is Fahad Ahmad, actor Swara Bhaskar’s husband and an impassioned politician known for his stirring speeches during the anti-CAA protests. He is set to contest against Nawab Mallik’s daughter in the Muslim-dominated Anushakti Nagar constituency. Until a few days ago, Ahmad was a member of the Samajwadi Party. His induction and nomination has left some party workers perplexed. However, the NCP (SP) views this as a necessary gamble, particularly in a political landscape where many prominent figures have left the party.
A few hundred kilometers away, in Baramati, where most candidates privately concede defeat even before polling, the young Yugendra Pawar will make his political debut against his uncle and senior politician Ajit Pawar. In Mohol, the party has picked the 26-year-old Siddhi Kadam whose MLA father Ramesh Kadam was jailed in a case of financial corruption The selection of these candidates has raised eyebrows among observers and constituents alike, showcasing a blend of both risk and opportunity. “Politics is changing; you don’t need heavyweights to win elections. Our party had declared that we would give tickets to new faces because we want to grow and cultivate new talent. These young faces are a reflection of our society and what people want—these candidates are young, dynamic and agile,” says Anish Gawande, national spokesperson of the NCP(SP).
The NCP (SP) also has its sights set on Tasgaon Kavthe Mahankal, where Rohit Patil, son of the late former home minister R R Patil, stands as a promising candidate, buoyed by his father’s legacy and grassroots involvement.
With 21 per cent of voters under the age of 30, the party’s shift towards youthful representation could prove to be a winning strategy in the coming election.
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