Maharashtra Chief Minister Questions Claims of NCP Merger Talks
In a significant development following the tragic death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has categorically denied any knowledge of merger discussions between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This statement comes amid swirling speculations about a potential unification of the party led by Sharad Pawar and the faction previously headed by his nephew Ajit Pawar.
Fadnavis Expresses Doubts Over Alleged Merger Announcement Date
Addressing media queries, Chief Minister Fadnavis raised serious questions about claims that Ajit Pawar had finalized February 12 as the date for formally announcing the merger between the NCP factions. "We are not aware of the February 12 date being claimed as the date for the formal announcement of the merger," Fadnavis stated emphatically. He further questioned how such significant political negotiations could proceed without the knowledge of key alliance partners.
The chief minister highlighted his close working relationship with the late Ajit Pawar, emphasizing that the former deputy chief minister shared everything with him. "If Ajit Pawar was working on a merger, would he do so without taking the BJP into confidence? Was he preparing to quit the NDA where he was stable? He shared everything with me," Fadnavis elaborated, casting doubt on the veracity of the merger claims circulating in political circles.
Background of the NCP Split and Recent Developments
The current controversy traces back to 2023 when Ajit Pawar, along with several senior NCP leaders, broke away from Sharad Pawar's leadership and aligned with the BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction. The split was attributed to disagreements over leadership succession and party direction, with Ajit Pawar expressing concerns about his uncle continuing to lead the party despite advanced age.
Following the split, the Election Commission recognized Ajit Pawar's faction as the legitimate NCP, allowing them to retain the party's distinctive 'clock' symbol. Ajit Pawar was subsequently sworn in as deputy chief minister in the Maharashtra government, marking a significant realignment in the state's political landscape.
Sunetra Pawar's Appointment and Portfolio Allocation
In a related development, Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar took oath as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra on Saturday. However, in a notable departure from her late husband's responsibilities, she was not allocated the crucial finance and planning portfolios that Ajit Pawar had previously held. Instead, she received charge of excise, sports, minority development, and Aukaf departments.
Chief Minister Fadnavis explained this decision, noting that he would personally present the upcoming state budget. "The budget is not merely about making a speech but involves a series of departmental meetings. Such a big exercise was not immediately possible for Sunetra Pawar, and it is wrong to expect it of her," he clarified. Fadnavis indicated that a final decision regarding the finance portfolio would be taken after the budget session concludes.
Political Reactions and Historical Parallels
Responding to criticism about the swiftness of Sunetra Pawar's oath-taking ceremony, Fadnavis defended the decision as being driven by circumstances. He drew a historical parallel, noting that "Rajiv Gandhi was sworn in (as prime minister on October 31, 1984) even before Indira Gandhi's cremation." The chief minister suggested that the NCP would address any concerns regarding the timing of the appointment.
The political drama has been further fueled by a viral video from a January 17 meeting between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, which has circulated widely on social media platforms. This video has added to the speculation about possible reconciliation efforts between the two factions before Ajit Pawar's untimely demise.
Uncertain Future for NCP Unity Efforts
With conflicting narratives emerging about the potential merger and the sudden leadership transition within the NCP faction, Maharashtra politics faces renewed uncertainty. Sharad Pawar's claim that his nephew had finalized February 12 for announcing the merger now faces direct contradiction from Chief Minister Fadnavis, who was a key ally of Ajit Pawar.
The developments highlight the complex dynamics within Maharashtra's political ecosystem, where alliance partnerships, family loyalties, and party ideologies frequently intersect. As the state prepares for its upcoming budget session, all eyes remain on how the NCP factions will navigate their relationship in the absence of Ajit Pawar, whose political acumen had been instrumental in shaping the current government formation.
