NCP (SP) Convenes Critical Meeting in Mumbai to Address Future Strategy
In a significant political development, the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) has announced a crucial meeting of its elected representatives and office-bearers, scheduled for February 17 in Mumbai. This gathering aims to determine the party's future course of action, coming at a time when merger plans between the two NCP factions have hit a major roadblock following the untimely death of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.
Sharad Pawar to Chair Meeting Amid Health Treatment
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, who is currently undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in Pune, is expected to chair the Mumbai meeting. Senior party members have confirmed that the reunion issue will be at the center of the discussions, highlighting the urgency and importance of this assembly.
As per the discussion held between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil, a formal announcement of the merger was to be done on Thursday. But after Ajit Pawar's demise, uncertainty loomed over a possible reunification, due to which Sharad Pawar will address party workers to chalk out a plan, a senior NCP (SP) functionary stated, emphasizing the critical nature of the upcoming deliberations.
Conflicting Claims Over Merger Intentions Post Ajit Pawar's Death
Following Ajit Pawar's passing, several NCP (SP) members, including Jayant Patil, Rohit Pawar, and Shashikant Shinde, have publicly claimed that it was the late NCP chief's wish to reunite both factions. However, this assertion has been met with denial from senior NCP members, such as working president Praful Patel and state president Sunil Tatkare, who have refuted any such initiative from their party's side.
Another senior NCP (SP) functionary provided insight into the internal dynamics, telling TOI: Party workers got into the mindset for the merger after both camps came together for the civic polls in some places. Senior leadership too dropped hints in this direction. However, the talks suddenly stopped, which made several workers anxious about the future plans. Some of them are already exploring the opportunity to switch to parties in Mahayuti. Therefore, to address their concerns, such a meeting is important.
Anxiety Among Party Workers and Strategic Implications
The stalled merger talks have created a sense of uncertainty and anxiety among NCP (SP) workers, with some reportedly considering defection to parties within the Mahayuti alliance. This potential shift underscores the high stakes involved in the upcoming meeting, as the party leadership seeks to consolidate support and outline a clear strategic path forward.
The Mumbai meeting is poised to be a pivotal moment for the NCP (SP), as it navigates the complex political landscape in the aftermath of Ajit Pawar's death and the halted merger efforts. The outcomes of this gathering could significantly influence the party's cohesion and future electoral prospects.
