Mumbai:- Signaling a major political shift in Maharashtra’s tribal heartland, over 400 social and political workers from Gadchiroli and Chandrapur formally joined the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) at a high-profile induction ceremony in Mumbai, reaffirming the party’s growing grassroots hold in remote and marginalized regions.
The ceremony, hosted at the Mahila Vikas Mandal near Mantralaya, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Dada Pawar, along with senior leaders including NCP State President Sunil Tatkare, Nawab Malik, MLA Shivajirao Garje, and the man of the hour—former cabinet minister and MLA Dharmaraobaba Atram. With upcoming Zilla Parishad and Municipal Council elections on the horizon, the induction is being seen as a strategic move to consolidate NCP’s rural and tribal base in the Vidarbha region.
Held under Atram’s stewardship, the event brought into NCP’s fold a vibrant mix of local leaders, youth representatives, social workers, and former panchayat functionaries. Many of them hail from areas severely affected by underdevelopment, unemployment, and Naxalite unrest—issues that Atram has consistently worked to address.
Prominent names among the new inductees included Nitesh Narote, Swami Godari, Satyam Pidgu, Sheikh Farzana Iftikhar, Jyoti Tai Sadmek, and Namdev Udan. Their entry into the party is being hailed as a marker of growing trust in NCP’s developmental vision, especially among the youth and tribal communities of eastern Maharashtra.
Speaking at the event, a senior inductee said, “We’ve seen change under Dharmaraobaba’s leadership—roads, jobs, health, security. He listens. He acts. And he delivers. That’s why we’re here, to take this development to every village and every voter.”
Ajit Pawar, addressing the newly inducted members, welcomed them into the party and underscored NCP’s commitment to inclusive development. “This is not just a political gathering—it’s a step towards rewriting the future of Gadchiroli and Chandrapur. With Dharmaraobaba’s leadership and your energy, we are poised to serve those who have been left behind.”
A highlight of the event was the recognition of Dharmaraobaba Atram’s personal and political journey—from surviving a 17-day Naxal captivity to championing employment in mining zones and bringing over 5,000 families into the formal economy. His grassroots legacy and ability to connect with tribal populations have earned him respect far beyond party lines.
With Maharashtra’s political landscape evolving rapidly, this mass induction comes at a crucial juncture. The NCP’s growing strength in Vidarbha, backed by tangible on-ground work and emotional connect, could shift the balance in the forthcoming rural polls. And with leaders like Atram leading the charge, the party is banking not just on rhetoric—but results.
