Mumbai. Marking an auspicious and emotional moment, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar visited the historic Raigarh Fort and unveiled the party’s new symbol ‘the man blowing the trumpet’ amid thunderous applause and cheers at a large gathering here on Saturday afternoon. Formally unveiled. Pawar (83) alighted from his vehicle at the base of the 4,400-feet-high Raigad Fort, and was placed on an open ‘palanquin’, which was carried by half a dozen Kahars to the ropeway entrance a short distance away. Coming to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s capital after more than four decades, Pawar climbed the ropeway of Raigad Fort and the hanging car took him to the top in barely five minutes, where he was given a rousing ovation by his supporters present at the venue since morning. welcomed.
He was taken to the grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, made to wear a special ‘turban’ (pheta), flowers were thrown on him. The brief ceremony began with more than a dozen ‘Tuatari’ (trumpets). The trumpeters proudly held the instrument in their hands and waited for the signal. In a brief address, Pawar dedicated ‘Tutari’ to the NCP (SP) and described it as “a clarion call of joy that will help restore people’s democracy”. Pawar said, “‘Tutari’ heralds an era of struggle… For the masses, it will bring back democracy… We will take inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the NCP (SP) will move forward with the trumpet blown.”
He said that in history many kings and emperors came and went, but only Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was called ‘Janata Raja’ who served the common people. Pawar pledged that the party would strive to follow Chhatrapati’s ideals for an ideal, people-oriented governance after fighting the ideological war. He called, “If we want to change the present scenario in the state, we must once again strive to restore people’s rule. With the inspiration of Chhatrapati and trumpet, success will definitely be achieved after struggle and sacrifice.” Later, he dedicated a symbolic ‘Tutari’ to the NCP (SP), where senior leaders like Jayant Patil, Jitendra Awhad and others clapped and cheered him, with trumpeters playing it for some time. It may be recalled that in July 2023, the NCP founded by Pawar 25 years ago was divided, with his nephew Ajit A. The separate faction led by Pawar was out.
This month (February 2024), the Election Commission of India allotted the original NCP name to Ajit Pawar’s group and also assigned its symbol ‘clock’. A few days later, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar also ruled in favor of Ajit Pawar, leaving Sharad Pawar without any proper name or election symbol. The Commission had on February 22 allotted the ‘Man Playing Tutari’ election symbol to the NCP (SP), which was warmly accepted by the party.
‘Tuatari’ is associated with important and auspicious events, cultural, historical, political, religious or VIP events. It is easily recognized among the public. Also there is a royal aura around it. NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar, working president Supriya Sule, state president Jayant Patil, national GS Jitendra Awhad, MP Amol Kolhe, MLA Rohit R. Pawar, national spokesperson Clyde Crasto, chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase and other party leaders attended ‘Tutari’ It is welcomed to be given.
