NCP state president Sunil Tatkare added to the speculation last week, claiming that the two factions would have reunited in February had Ajit Pawar been alive.
Ajit Pawar, who was then deputy chief minister and NCP president, died in an air crash on 28 January. Sunetra Pawar subsequently took over both roles. Her party remains part of the Mahayuti government alongside the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.
At Wednesday’s press conference, she said Maharashtra would observe 15 November as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, with a service week scheduled across the state from 11 to 18 November.
In Pune district, the Integrated Tribal Development Project office at Ghodegaon will coordinate activities including the distribution of cheques to beneficiaries of government schemes, cleanliness drives at memorials and a wild vegetable festival.
The programme will also feature cultural events, tribal gatherings, and camps promoting health and nutrition awareness.
Sunetra Pawar said similar activities would take place in Beed, where she serves as guardian minister, in addition to holding the same responsibility for Pune.
Beed’s service week will include health camps, cleanliness campaigns and public awareness activities. Events marking the anniversary will also be held at Kuppa and Khalwat Nimgaon in Wadwani tehsil on 15 November, she said.
With IANS inputs
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