Zeeshan Siddique named NCP's Mumbai chief, Umesh Patil national chief spokesperson

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has made key changes in its organisation, at a time when the results of the teachers' and graduates' constituency elections are being discussed across the state. The party's Mumbai president's post had been vacant for several days. It has now been filled by Zeeshan Siddique, son of the late party leader Baba Siddique. Parth Pawar handed him the appointment letter.

Umesh Patil, meanwhile, has been made the party's national chief spokesperson. National president Sunetra Pawar and MP Parth Pawar gave him the appointment letter. The letter was handed over today at the official residence at Devgiri, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and MP Parth Pawar. Several other party leaders and office-bearers were also present. At the event, the hope was expressed that Umesh Patil would work with loyalty and dedication to further strengthen the party organisation, carrying forward the thoughts, ideals and legacy of public service of the late Ajitdada Pawar.

After becoming Mumbai president, Zeeshan Siddique thanked Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar. He said that receiving this responsibility meant a great deal to him and that strengthening the NCP in Mumbai was now his agenda. Zeeshan said Sunetra Bhabhi was like a mother to him and Parth Pawar like an elder brother. He said he would try to live up to the trust the two had shown. According to Zeeshan, he was first given a seat in the Legislative Council and has now been given the post of the party's Mumbai president.

On the occasion, Zeeshan Siddique also spoke about the finance minister's post. He said the finance portfolio had always been with Ajitdada and that he was fully confident Sunetra Pawar was capable of handling it now.

In a separate development, action may be taken against Shiv Sena office-bearers who worked against the Mahayuti in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation election. According to information from sources, a list of these office-bearers has been prepared within the party. Sources also say that the BJP has given Eknath Shinde a letter on the matter.

According to the sources, the office-bearers are accused of taking a stand against the party, which hurt the Mahayuti in the election. Despite the Shiv Sena's efforts to persuade them, some rebel candidates had not withdrawn their nominations. Some Shiv Sena leaders hold that strict action should be taken against such rebels as well.