Ajit Pawar’s Close Aide Claims Merger of NCP Factions Was Late Leader’s Last Wish

Mumbai: Following the tragic death of former Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, speculation over a potential merger of the NCP factions continues. While CM Devendra Fadnavis has denied any such plans, Ajit Pawar’s close aide Kiran Gujar has made a strong claim that the factions will reunite, fulfilling the late leader’s final wish.

Gujar, who received Ajit Pawar’s last phone call before the crash, revealed that Ajit had instructed him to prepare documents related to the district council elections and emphasized that the two NCP factions should come together. He said that family members needed 10–11 days of mourning before speaking publicly, after which steps toward the merger could proceed.

With Ajit Pawar’s faction confirming its continued alliance with the NDA, BJP has set a condition that any merger must be discussed with them first, as reiterated by Fadnavis. The key question now is whether Sharad Pawar’s faction will honor Ajit Pawar’s last wish while coordinating with the BJP or choose a different path.

Sources indicate that leaders of Sharad Pawar’s group support a merger, and clarity on the issue is expected after 8 February. A successful unification would strengthen the NCP both in Maharashtra and at the Centre, increasing its total parliamentary representation to 11 MPs.