Pune: In a major boost for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the state, renowned actor Sayaji Shinde today joined Ajit Pawar’s party. He was welcomed into the party fold by Deputy Chief Minister and NCP National President Ajit Pawar, NCP National Working President Praful Patel and NCP State President Sunil Tatkare at a press conference in Mumbai. 

Sayaji Shinde expressed his admiration for Ajit Pawar’s leadership, highlighting his commitment to the marginalized sections of the society. Shinde who hails from the dominant Maratha community with a farming background, has a large base of volunteers and social workers and through his NGO ‘Sahaydri Devrayi’ is actively working in the rural belt of the state. Shinde’s induction right before the assembly polls, aims to strengthen the party’s base with both rural voters as well as intellectual class as the actor is quite popular in the intellectual circles. Ajit Pawar already announced that he will be the party’s start campaigner and will campaign across the state. 

Ajit Pawar while welcoming Sayaji Shinde into the party praised Sayaji Shinde for his social work. He mentioned the initiatives taken by Shinde particularly in the area of tree planting, water and soil conservation. “His social work is a testament that he is not just an actor, but a true social worker. Sayaji's ideology and efforts align with our party's core philosophy, which is dedicated to uplifting every level of society,” said Ajit Pawar. The induction of Sayaji Shinde will also help the party in propagating the policies and programs in a more effective manner, added the NCP President.  

Talking about his decision to join NCP, Sayaji Shinde emphasised his long-standing relationship with Ajit Dada. Praising Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for his efforts, he said ‘his biggest quality is that he stands by his word. What he is inside, he is the same outside. And by nature, I am also like that. Whatever is on my mind, I speak it clearly, as you all know. This is something common between Ajit Dada and me.” Sayaji Shinde has been actively involved in social work through his NGO ‘Sahyadri Devrayi’. He said by joining politics, he can further his social service and contribute more to the society. He said for him there was no better option than Ajit Pawar, as his party works for the marginalised – the farmers, the women, the labourers. “The NCP’s ideology is based on the teachings of Shiv, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, which resonates with me deeply”, said Shinde. On why of all the parties he chose NCP, the actor said “there were many options to join other parties, but I only considered joining a party where the leadership is transparent and genuinely works for the welfare of society”. Ajit Pawar’s vision and leadership is different and I believe like me he believes in action over showmanship added Shinde.