Sharad Pawar Confirms NCP Faction Merger Discussions Were in Advanced Stage
Despite the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar casting a long shadow over Maharashtra's political landscape and the subsequent elevation of his wife Sunetra Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister, persistent rumors about a potential reunification between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and its Sharad Pawar-led faction, the NCP (SP), have gained significant momentum. In a crucial revelation, veteran leader Sharad Pawar has now confirmed that discussions for merging the two factions had been actively progressing for several months, with an announcement originally slated for February 12.
Months of Secret Negotiations Led by Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil
On Saturday, the senior Pawar openly admitted that detailed negotiations for reunifying the two NCP factions had been underway for an extended period. The process was primarily led by Ajit Pawar and senior leader Jayant Patil, representing their respective groups. Sharad Pawar emphasized that all substantive discussions were conducted at their level, indicating a serious commitment from both sides to bridge the political divide.
"All discussions were held at their level, but it now appears the process may hit a roadblock following the tragic plane accident. The talks were progressing in a positive direction, but the accident adversely affected the process," the NCP (SP) chief stated during his Saturday address. He further revealed that it was Ajit Pawar's personal wish to reunite the two factions, adding, "It was Ajit's wish to unite the two factions, and now it is our wish that his wish should be fulfilled."
Multiple Meetings Held Before Ajit Pawar's Untimely Demise
The former Union minister's claims were strongly corroborated by NCP (SP) Maharashtra unit chief Shashikant Shinde, who provided additional details about the extensive behind-the-scenes efforts. Shinde confirmed that eight to ten high-level meetings had taken place over the past three months, specifically addressing the viral video of a January 17 meeting between Ajit Pawar and his uncle Sharad.
"There had been discussions and meetings on the two NCPs coming together. But Ajitdada is no more. Some broad positions had been discussed earlier. Now, we will discuss what needs to be done and then make a decision. How others respond is their call," Shinde told reporters, as quoted by PTI. He elaborated that after the civic elections, a formal decision was taken to work toward unifying the two parties, and this position was officially conveyed to Sharad Pawar.
Questions Raised Over Sunetra Pawar's Swift Elevation
The comments from both Sharad Pawar and Shashikant Shinde came just ahead of Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in ceremony, with both leaders openly questioning the timing and motivation behind this rapid political move. Shinde expressed confusion about the decision-making process during a period of state mourning, stating, "Ajit Pawar's passing is a great loss to Maharashtra. When the state is in mourning, why this decision was taken is not known to us. They will have to explain it."
Sharad Pawar went even further, claiming he had no prior knowledge about his nephew's wife being elevated to the Deputy Chief Minister position. "I am not aware of the swearing-in. I didn't even know that it was scheduled for today. There was no discussion with me about the swearing-in. Her party (NCP) may have made the decision," the 85-year-old leader said hours before the ceremony. He hinted that senior NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare might have taken the initiative internally within the party.
Potential Political Earthquake in Maharashtra
A successful merger between the NCP and the NCP (SP) would represent a seismic shift in Maharashtra's political dynamics. The Nationalist Congress Party, founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999, had maintained a united front for decades until Ajit Pawar's dramatic decision to join the Mahayuti government led by Eknath Shinde in 2023. The potential reunification would not only reshape the ruling coalition but also significantly alter the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi's composition and strategy.
As Maharashtra navigates this period of political transition and mourning, the fate of the proposed merger remains uncertain. While the foundation for reconciliation had been carefully laid through months of negotiations, the sudden vacuum created by Ajit Pawar's absence has introduced new complexities that both factions must now address before any final decision can be reached.
