NCP (SP) dissolves State spokespersons’ panel, national spokespersons unaffected

On August 4, 2026, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharadchandra Pawar group decided to dissolve the panel of all 22 State spokespersons of the party. This action was taken as part of the party’s ongoing restructuring efforts. The national spokespersons remained unaffected by this decision. "The decision has been taken by the State president of the party and is applicable only to the State spokespersons.

This does not apply to the national spokespersons," a leader clarified to The Hindu on Wednesday (August 5, 2026). Currently, only two State spokespersons, Mahesh Tapase and Vidya Chavan, represent the party in media organizations. The move follows a series of other organizational changes and speculations about potential support to the BJP.

State party president Shashikant Shinde explained that the decision aimed to provide new party functionaries with opportunities to grow. "New party functionaries should get an opportunity. This does not mean injustice is being done towards anyone. Several changes are being made in the party. This is a part of it. New spokespersons will soon be appointed.

I will hold district-wise meetings from 15th or 16th of August. We intend to carry out many changes in the organisational structure," he told The Hindu on August 5, 2026. Shinde denied rumors about a lack of communication with the party's top leadership, stating that he maintains close coordination with Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, and Jayant Patil.

In recent days, Shinde appointed a new president for the students’ wing, along with several other new positions. The party's system of evaluating performance and making decisions guided this change. Some confusion arose on August 5, 2026, as the national spokesperson Anish Gawande posted gratitude on social media for the opportunity given to him over the past two years. He later confirmed that national spokespersons would continue in their roles.