NCP's 'Shiv Swarajya Yatra' Launches Ahead of Maharashtra Elections

The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) will initiate a mass outreach programme, 'Shiv Swarajya Yatra', from Pune on August 9, ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections. Led by state president Jayant Patil, the yatra aims to restore Maharashtra's self-respect and counter the ruling Mahayuti. The first phase will cover Pune, Solapur, and Marathwada till August 18.

The Nationalist Congress Party, spearheaded by Sharad Pawar, is set to embark on a mass outreach initiative dubbed the 'Shiv Swarajya Yatra' starting from Pune on August 9, according to party sources.

Jayant Patil, president of NCP's state unit, will lead the yatra from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birthplace, aiming to restore the state's self-respect and challenge the ruling Mahayuti coalition, which he described as 'helpless before Delhi.'

With state elections looming in October, the yatra will traverse Pune, Solapur, and Marathwada until August 18. NCP leaders and MPs will join at various points. Meanwhile, a rival NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar plans a parallel 'Jan Samman Yatra' from Nashik.

(With inputs from agencies.)