NCP (SP) Dissolves Spokesperson Panel Amid Merger Rumours; Vidya Chavan, Mahesh Tapase to Handle Media Duties Until Further Orders

· Free Press Journal

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) SP cancelled the appointment of its panel of spokespersons on Tuesday until further orders regarding fresh appointments are issued.

According to an NDTV report, the party has nearly 22 spokespersons representing it across electronic and print media.

Visit betsport.cv for more information.

Taking to its X account, the party posted, "With the approval of the party's Provincial President and former Minister Hon. Shri Shashikant Shinde, effective immediately from today, August 4, 2026, all previous appointments to the position of party spokesperson are hereby cancelled until further orders."

Interim spokespersons appointed

The party further clarified that until further orders are issued, former MLA Vidya Chavan and Mahesh Tapase will represent the party's official stand before the media as authorised spokespersons.

Reacting to the development, Anish Gawande, who was appointed as the party's national spokesperson two years ago, said it had been a journey of immense learning and a rollercoaster ride, with the opportunity to learn directly from party chief Sharad Pawar.

Taking to his X account, Gawande wrote, "Two years ago today, I was entrusted with the responsibility of National Spokesperson for @NCPspeaks. From shaping our election communications strategy to leading a delegation to Kashmir post the Pahalgam attack, and navigating intense cultural debates (from Aurangzeb's tomb to India's Got Latent), it's been a whirlwind on the front lines!"

He further wrote, "But what has truly set this rollercoaster ride apart is the opportunity to learn directly from Pawar Saheb. Observing his legendary acumen and sharing my insights with him has been a masterclass of a lifetime."

Leaders react to decision

Another party spokesperson, Vikas Lawande, taking to his X account, said the party's decision was like an order for its workers, which he accepted.

His post further read, "For any worker or party office-bearer, the party does not exist; rather, workers and office-bearers exist for the party—this has always been my firm belief. It is because of the party that the identity of workers and office-bearers is built."

Lawande, who has been associated with the party since 2015, said he accepted the party's decision wholeheartedly and expressed gratitude to the party leadership for the trust placed in him by appointing him as a spokesperson.

Merger speculation surfaces

Meanwhile, speculation has emerged in political circles following the party's decision, with rumours suggesting the possibility of a merger with another NCP faction currently led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.

To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in

Read full story at source