Merger Between Two NCP Factions in Limbo, Sunil Tatkare Makes It Clear: ‘We Are Part of NDA’

Mumbai: Speculation over a possible merger between Ajit Pawar’s NCP and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) has hit a dead end. Maharashtra State President Sunil Tatkare of Ajit Pawar’s NCP clarified that his party is part of the NDA, while Sharad Pawar’s faction has instructed its leaders not to make any statements regarding a merger.

Merger Talks Put on Hold
Sunil Tatkare said that anyone discussing a merger should first clarify whether they are personally in favor of it. He emphasized that Ajit Pawar’s NCP remains committed to the NDA alliance. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar’s leaders have been directed to avoid giving comments on merger talks and to speak only after consulting senior party leadership.

Merger Rumors Dismissed
Following Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash, reports emerged suggesting that the two NCP factions were planning to merge, with claims that discussions had been ongoing for the past four months and a formal announcement was expected on February 12. Sharad Pawar’s faction even released a video related to the merger meeting. However, Ajit Pawar’s NCP firmly rejected these claims. Tatkare stated, “Nothing of that sort happened; otherwise, Dada (Ajit Pawar) would have informed us.”

Senior Leaders Weigh In
Senior NCP leader and former minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that while many may wish for the two factions to come together, there has been no concrete discussion on this. He added that any such step, especially while allied with the BJP, would require consulting coalition partners beforehand. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also noted that Ajit Pawar never mentioned merger talks with Sharad Pawar’s faction during cabinet discussions.

Unified Stance Within Ajit Pawar’s NCP
On Monday in Karad, Satara, Tatkare told reporters that neither he nor MP Praful Patel holds any differing view on this issue. He reiterated that the decision to join the NDA under Ajit Pawar’s leadership was collective and supported by voters in the assembly elections. He also confirmed that the NCP legislative party is fully capable of making decisions such as appointing a new leader.

Sharad Pawar’s Response
Sharad Pawar questioned how those absent from the merger meeting could claim knowledge of it. He stated that Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule, Jayant Patil, and Rohit Pawar attended the meeting. In summary, while Sharad Pawar’s faction is claiming that a merger is in motion, Ajit Pawar’s faction has categorically denied it.).