NCP Merger Decision Rests Solely with Sunetra Pawar, Bhujbal Declares
Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) politician and cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal emphasized on Saturday that the decision regarding the potential merger of the two NCP factions lies exclusively with deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar. During his visit to Nashik, Bhujbal repeatedly referred to Sunetra Pawar as the "captain" of their group, highlighting her pivotal role in the party's future direction.
Focus on Leadership Consolidation Before Merger
Addressing reporters amid renewed speculation over the possible unification of NCP and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), Bhujbal clarified that the party's immediate priority is to consolidate Sunetra Pawar's leadership. He asserted that she will be elected as the NCP's national president, stating confidently, "She will 100% become the national president of the party." Bhujbal indicated that only after she assumes this top position will the issue of the merger be formally addressed.
"Once she becomes the party's national president, she will decide on the merger after discussions with senior functionaries, or with anyone she wants to consult," Bhujbal explained. He dismissed the urgency expressed by some MLAs from both factions, questioning, "Why this hurry?" and noted that a merger could occur "in a day, or even after a month or two," suggesting an open timeline.
NCP (SP) Rules Out Internal Discussions on Merger
In contrast, NCP (SP) state chief Shashikant Shinde announced on Saturday that there will be no internal discussions within his party regarding the merger of the NCPs. Interacting with the media in Mumbai, Shinde stated, "I will not be making any comment on the merger issue. Our party also will not be holding any discussion on the issue."
Shinde had previously written in an NCP (SP) mouthpiece that Ajit Pawar was to lead the party after the merger. When asked on Saturday whether his party would join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) post-merger, Shinde responded, "The formula of the merger was to be decided after the results of civic bodies polls. Now, Sunetra Pawar has to take a call on the issue, and if any proposal comes from her, then only we will hold a discussion on the issue within the party."
Bhujbal on Finance Portfolio and Farm Loan Waiver
On the topic of the finance portfolio, Bhujbal mentioned that chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had already stated that Ajit Pawar had completed a significant portion of the budget work before his demise, and Fadnavis himself would handle the remaining tasks. Bhujbal added that the decision on whether the finance department would return to NCP would be made subsequently.
Regarding the possibility of a farm loan waiver, Bhujbal declined to comment, deeming it inappropriate to make a general statement with the state assembly's Budget session approaching. "Whatever discussions are needed, will take place in the House," he concluded, emphasizing the formal legislative process for such matters.
