NCP takes stock of its local bodies poll preparedness

Mumbai, Nov 3 (UNI) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders in Maharashtra today held preliminary round of discussions to take stock of the party's preparations for the upcoming local body elections in the state.

The meeting was chaired by state unit president Arun Gujarathi and attended by Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, senior ministers Dilip Valse-Patil, Chhagan Bhujbal, Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil and party office bearers, party spokesman Madan Bafna told UNI.

He said the leaders deliberated on organisational matters pertaining to the municipal council elections scheduled for November 19. The zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections will be held in February 2007 while municipal corporation elections will be held in March.

The NCP is contesting most of the seats in 166 councils and two nagar panchayats on its own. With the last date of withdrawal of nomination ending today for the November 19 polls, Mr Bafna said a clear picture of how many candidates are contesting on NCP ticket will become clear by Monday after the symbols are alloted.

UNI MR MAZ SSC RN1951