Connecting with Voters through 'Ghongadi Baithaks'

In the Pimpri and Bhosari constituencies, Shiv-Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar's Yatra reached villages through the unique concept of Ghongadi Baithaks (community meetings on woollen mats). The NCP’s OBC cell , under the guidance of Sharad Pawar’s faction, organized these meetings to connect with voters and communicate the party's vision.

The first phase of the Ghongadi Baithaks was conducted between August 29, 2024, to September 2, 2024 , across several constituencies in Maharashtra.  
The second phase took place from September 13 to September 17, 2024 , and the third phase was organized in Pimpri and Bhosari constituencies from October 16 to October 19, 2024.  

The OBC Cell's state president Raj Rajapurkar  led the initiative, with six speakers actively participating. Through these gatherings, participants discussed the party’s mission, policies, and the contributions of Sharad Pawar  over the past five decades, with a particular focus on OBC welfare.

The NCP organized these Ghongadi Baithaks across 80 assembly constituencies in Maharashtra.

 Issues Discussed in Ghongadi Baithaks

1. Ideas of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Swarajya and Progressive Thoughts of Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar 
   Promoting the vision of social reformers and establishing an egalitarian society.

2. Sharad Pawar’s Contributions to Maharashtra Over Five Decades  
   Pawar’s leadership and policies that shaped the state's development were highlighted.

3. Achievements under the Mahavikas Aghadi Government  
   Critical decisions and the pivotal role of Sharad Pawar’s leadership during the coalition government were discussed.

4. Condemnation of the Insult to Saints and Social Reformers  
   Concern was expressed about the disrespect shown to revered figures by current rulers.

5. Betrayal of Sharad Pawar and Damage to Maharashtra’s Political Culture  
   The meetings conveyed how political betrayals tarnished the state's political ethos.

6. Demand for Caste-based Census to Protect OBC Reservation  
   The NCP stressed the importance of caste-based enumeration to ensure the welfare of OBCs and marginalized communities.

7. Inadequate Financial Support for OBC Communities  
   Discussions focused on the need for better funding of development boards like the *Vishwakarma Board, Kumhar Board*, and *Mahajyoti* (for OBC welfare). The delay in financial assistance was criticized.

8. Promoting Social Harmony and Unity Amid Growing Divisions 
   The NCP’s efforts towards maintaining social harmony in times of political instability were emphasized.

9. Declining Trust in the Government and Increasing Intolerance
   Growing frustration among the marginalized due to the government’s poor governance was highlighted.

10. Inclusion of Neglected OBC Communities 
   A special focus was placed on integrating neglected OBC communities and *Atharva Pagad* (18 sub-castes) into the party structure.

11. Reaching the Masses through Socially Beneficial Work at the Local Level  
   Efforts to connect the common people with the NCP’s values and Sharad Pawar’s legacy were discussed, fostering unity and dialogue in rural areas.

Leadership and Management of the Initiative

Under the guidance of Tushar Kamthe , NCP city president for Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Bhai Vishal Jadhav , OBC cell president, the Shiv-Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar Yatra  was conducted successfully. Senior leaders like Avinash Renke , Prakash Chavan, Arun Todkar , and  Bhai Vishal Jadhav  organized 30 to 35 Ghongadi Baithaks across Pimpri and Bhosari constituencies.  

Through these meetings, participants communicated the progressive thoughts of Shiv, Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar, along with the extensive public service work done by Padma Vibhushan Sharad Pawar  over the past 55 years.

The campaign was supported by senior OBC leaders, including  Balasaheb Shinde (Senior Vice President, OBC Cell), Sagar Bhujbal (Vice President), Santosh Mali (President, Bhosari Assembly), Sunil Mhetre , Imran Shaikh  (Youth President), Arun Thopte (Seva Dal President, Pimpri-Chinchwad), and Sushant Khurasane (Chairman, Consumer Protection Committee). Their collaboration ensured the smooth and effective execution of this initiative in both constituencies.