Ladki Bahin scheme has NCP imprint: Praful Patel

Nagpur: Senior NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel on Saturday asserted that his party remains a key stakeholder in govt and city development, reminding voters that the Ladki Bahin scheme bears the clear imprint of NCP (AP) leadership, particularly deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.Addressing four rallies in support of 83 party candidates contesting the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections, Patel said the civic polls should not be treated as secondary to state or national politics.
Patel held public meetings for candidates of several prabhags, including Abha Pande, Nitin Sathawne, Sunita Yerne, Roshni Ladge, Aditya Bhoyar, Vijay Kawre, Prajakta Vaidya, Bhagwan Mendhe, Mumtaj Baji, and Abdular Sheikh. Patel was accompanied by city president Anil Ahirkar, working president (Nagpur city) Shrikant Shivankar."Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and national issues are discussed everywhere, but people face NMC-related problems every single day. That is why these elections must be taken seriously," Patel said, urging voters to elect capable corporators who can address basic civic concerns such as roads, sanitation, water supply, and slum development.Patel underlined that NCP (AP) is an integral part of the Mahayuti and shares equal responsibility in resolving Nagpur's issues. "We are in power and will work with the same authority as other ruling parties in the state. Vidarbha is the heart of Maharashtra, and Nagpur must prosper. We believe in unity, not division or discrimination," he said.Highlighting the party's contribution to the city, Patel recalled that Nagpur airport expansion and Mihan received decisive momentum during his tenure and claimed personal involvement in naming the Nagpur airport after Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. "NCP has played a vital role in Nagpur's development. We worked earlier and there is much more to be done. Give us a chance," he appealed.Responding to public anger over civic failures, Patel admitted that dissatisfaction with past governance impacted all parties. "Dusron ki galtiyon aur narazgi ka parinam hume bhi hota hai (We too end up bearing the consequences of others' mistakes and public anger)," he said, adding that the party is now aggressively focusing on the city. "I am from Nagpur, and it is my responsibility to stand firmly behind every NCP (AP) candidate."Patel stressed that the party has the financial and administrative capacity to bring development funds, just like other ruling allies. Drawing a cricketing analogy, he said, "We don't believe only in hitting fours and sixes. Even single runs matter. Step-by-step work is what resolves civic issues."Reiterating the party's commitment, Patel said NCP (AP) candidates were carefully shortlisted. "If given a chance, I vouch that we will succeed in fulfilling our promises and drive Nagpur's progress," he said.NCP released its development manifesto, which was unveiled by MP Praful Patel. The local manifesto places special emphasis on strengthening civic infrastructure, improving healthcare services, empowering women, and creating local employment opportunities for youth.