Sunetra Pawar to Convene Crucial Meeting with NCP Legislators on Merger Proposal
In a significant political development, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is scheduled to meet all party MLAs in Mumbai on Tuesday. This gathering comes amidst rising internal demands for extensive consultations regarding the proposed merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) groups. The move highlights the delicate balancing act within the party as it navigates post-Ajit Pawar dynamics.
Growing Calls for Inclusive Decision-Making Process
Former minister and senior NCP MLA Dilip Walse Patil confirmed on Saturday that he has received communication about Sunetra Pawar's meeting with all party legislators. According to informed sources, Sunetra is expected to thoroughly discuss the merger issue and may conduct one-on-one interactions with MLAs to solicit their individual perspectives. This approach follows repeated statements from several party leaders insisting that their opinions must be considered before any final decision is made.
Party MLA from Pusad and Minister of State Indranil Naik emphasized on Sunday that the leadership must consult party functionaries and take them into confidence. "A meeting of all MLAs must be convened to discuss the issue comprehensively, and a collective decision should be reached regarding the merger," Naik asserted. He added, "We will present our views when the leadership seeks our opinion."
Majority Support for Merger as Tribute to Ajit Pawar
Earlier, Igatpuri MLA Hiraman Khoskar, while speaking to reporters in Delhi, claimed that approximately 35 out of the 40 NCP MLAs, including himself, support the merger of the two factions. "We desire the merger to proceed, and that would constitute a genuine tribute to Ajitdada," Khoskar stated. He confirmed his intention to share his perspective with Sunetratai during the upcoming meeting.
Leaders from the NCP (SP) previously indicated that Ajit Pawar had been enthusiastic about a merger following the local body elections and that multiple meetings had occurred to deliberate on this matter. A party MLA from Pune verified that legislators have been summoned for Tuesday's meeting, noting, "The formal agenda has not been communicated, but the merger issue is likely to be the primary topic of discussion." The MLA further suggested that Sunetra might engage with each MLA individually to gauge their positions.
Contrasting Views and Strategic Silence Within Party Ranks
On Saturday, NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde declared that there would be no further internal discussions on the merger within the party. He instructed that no leader should comment publicly on the issue, as such remarks were perceived as adopting an aggressive stance. This directive reflects the party's attempt to manage internal dissent and present a unified front.
NCP (SP) MLA Jayant Patil, who identified himself as one of the key leaders involved in discussions with Ajit Pawar concerning the proposed merger, revealed to reporters in Pune on Saturday that it was Ajit Pawar who initiated the talks. "Ajit Pawar visited my residence eleven times to deliberate on this matter," Patil disclosed. However, citing the political reactions generated by the issue, he stated, "I have resolved not to comment any further."
Senior Leaders Advocate Patience and Prioritize Leadership Strengthening
Earlier, senior NCP leader and minister Chhagan Bhujbal dismissed any immediate discussions on a merger, clarifying that the ultimate decision would reside with Sunetra Pawar. He emphasized that the party's immediate priority is to fortify her leadership and secure her election as national president. Bhujbal indicated that the merger issue would only be addressed after the national president is elected, with the decision resting squarely with her.
Addressing newly elected members of the zilla parishad and panchayat samiti, Dilip Walse Patil remarked, "Whatever discussions are underway, I prefer not to engage with them. Following Ajit Pawar's passing, we now shoulder a greater responsibility." He urged all elected members to refrain from lobbying or insisting on specific positions, advising them to accept whatever responsibilities the party assigns.
The upcoming meeting represents a critical juncture for the NCP as it seeks to reconcile diverse viewpoints while honoring Ajit Pawar's legacy. The outcome of these consultations could significantly influence the party's future trajectory and its position within Maharashtra's political landscape.
