NCP State President Sunil Tatkare Confirms Merger Discussions with Sunetra Pawar
In a significant political development, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state president Sunil Tatkare has declared that the issue of a potential merger will be addressed with Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar during her upcoming visit to Mumbai. This announcement comes amidst a backdrop of family reunification and electoral activities in Maharashtra.
Family Unity and Political Aspirations
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar emphasized the reunification of the entire Pawar family, stating that it fulfills the dream of the late NCP chief Ajit Pawar. Speaking after casting his vote in the Zilla Parishad election in Baramati, Rohit Pawar highlighted the spontaneous coming together of family members, including Supriya Sule and Sharad Pawar. He expressed confidence that voters and workers would honor Ajit Pawar's final wish by electing his supporters in large numbers to the zilla parishad and panchayat samiti.
Rohit Pawar further noted, "I see Ajit kaka in Sunetra kaki. There is a heartfelt wish that the vacant post of NCP national president should be given to Sunetra kaki." This sentiment aligns with his previous statements backing Sunetra Pawar for the national president role, reinforcing the family's collective support for her political ascent.
Upcoming Meetings and Press Conferences
Tatkare revealed that the state cabinet meeting is scheduled for February 10 in Mumbai, which Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar will attend. He indicated that discussions regarding the merger would take place at this time. Additionally, Sunetra Pawar may visit Delhi to meet with the President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with further deliberations planned accordingly.
Regarding the plane crash that has raised questions, Rohit Pawar announced he will make a detailed presentation about it in Mumbai on February 10. He stated, "Questions and doubts are being raised over the plane crash. Several questions like how and why the crash occurred remain unanswered... I will be addressing those issues during the press conference." He added that on February 10 and 12, he will reveal everything about the plane crash and merger issue.
Internal Party Dynamics and Reactions
Tatkare, who has consistently maintained that the NCP is aligned with the NDA, reiterated the party's collective decision to join the alliance under Ajit Pawar's leadership. He emphasized that discussions on the merger would be held in a proper manner, reflecting the party's commitment to Ajit Pawar's legacy.
However, Tatkare later clarified to the media, "I don't know what inference the media has drawn from my statement. But I want to tell you that there are several issues to be discussed with the Deputy Chief Minister when she comes to Mumbai next week." He declined to confirm whether the merger would specifically be part of the agenda.
In response, Rohit Pawar asserted his emotional right to speak on matters related to Ajit Pawar, despite Tatkare's criticism that he has no right to discuss NCP affairs. NCP Minister Hassan Mushrif commented that while Ajit Pawar was the primary figure in merger talks with NCP(SP) leaders, if Sunetra Pawar and the family support a reunion, there should be no obstacles, and he would stand by the party's decision.
Electoral Context and Family Gatherings
The elections to 12 zilla parishads and panchayat samitis in Maharashtra, initially scheduled for Thursday, were postponed to Saturday following Ajit Pawar's death. Results are set to be declared on Monday. In the past four days, the entire Pawar family has been seen together at Sahyug Society in Baramati, where Ajit Pawar's family resides, underscoring the renewed familial bonds.
A viral video featuring Rohit Pawar, Sharad Pawar, and Ajit's son Parth Pawar has been cited by close associates as evidence of the family's firm unity. They noted that the family is now backing Sunetra Pawar for the national president post, viewing Rohit Pawar's statements as well-planned indications of their togetherness.
This unfolding scenario highlights the intricate interplay between family dynamics and political strategy within the NCP, as key figures navigate merger discussions and leadership transitions in the wake of Ajit Pawar's passing.
