Ajit Pawar Faction Not Ready for NCP Merger Yet, Sharad Pawar Group Pushes Ahead

Mumbai: Following the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, discussions have begun regarding the potential merger of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—one led by Ajit Pawar and the other by his uncle, political veteran Sharad Pawar. However, sources indicate that a decision on the merger has been postponed for now.

Why the Delay?
The Ajit Pawar faction believes that Sunetra Pawar, the late Deputy CM’s widow, should first consolidate her position within the party before any merger is considered. This is seen as crucial, given that the Sharad Pawar-led faction has been pressing for a quick unification and had planned to announce the merger as early as December.

A swift merger could limit Sunetra Pawar’s influence even after taking office as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, as party operations would largely remain under Sharad Pawar’s guidance. It appears that Sunetra Pawar’s faction is not yet comfortable with such an arrangement.

Support from Within the Party
Former minister and NCP legislator Manikrao Kokate publicly expressed support for Sunetra Pawar’s leadership, stating, “The successor to Dada (Ajit) should come from his family. We cannot even consider anyone else. I believe there’s no need for further discussion—we all stand firmly with Sunetra Pawar.”

Decision Pending on Sunetra Pawar
An NCP leader from the Ajit Pawar faction clarified that they are not opposed to the merger, but insist it should occur at an appropriate time. “Once the merger happens, who will make the decisions—the party will listen to Sunetra Pawar or Sharad Pawar? Clearly, the senior Pawar will have the final say,” the leader explained. He added, “The conflict between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar over party control was the reason for the split, and it seems the issue continues. Nevertheless, the Pawar family remains united, and the final decision will rest with Sunetra Pawar.”

Sharad Pawar Faction’s Position
Meanwhile, the Sharad Pawar camp maintains an emotional stance, asserting that the merger was Ajit Pawar’s last wish and should be honored. NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh stated, “Everyone should take steps toward the merger. It was Ajit Dada’s final wish that the party remain united, and both factions must work toward that goal.”

The discussions reflect the delicate balancing act between consolidating Sunetra Pawar’s leadership and honoring Ajit Pawar’s legacy, while reconciling the two NCP factions.