Sunetra Pawar to Hold Crucial Meeting with NCP MLAs on Merger Proposal
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is scheduled to convene a significant meeting with party MLAs in Mumbai on Tuesday. This gathering comes in response to mounting demands for extensive consultations regarding the proposed merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) groups. The move underscores the party's internal deliberations as it navigates a pivotal moment in its political trajectory.
MLAs Advocate for Inclusive Decision-Making Process
Former minister and senior NCP MLA Dilip Walse Patil confirmed on Saturday that he has received notification about the upcoming meeting with all party legislators. According to sources, Sunetra Pawar is expected to address the merger issue comprehensively and may engage in one-on-one interactions with MLAs to solicit their perspectives. This initiative follows vocal statements from several party leaders emphasizing the necessity of incorporating their opinions before any definitive action is taken.
Party MLA from Pusad and Minister of State Indranil Naik emphasized on Sunday that the leadership must actively consult party functionaries and ensure they are taken into confidence. He asserted, "A meeting of all MLAs must be called to discuss the issue in detail, and a collective decision should be taken on the merger. We will present our views when the leadership seeks our opinion." This sentiment reflects a broader call for democratic processes within the party structure.
Support for Merger and Leadership Dynamics
Earlier, Igatpuri MLA Hiraman Khoskar, while speaking to reporters in Delhi, claimed that approximately 35 out of the 40 NCP MLAs, including himself, are in favor of merging the two factions. He stated, "We want the merger to happen, and that will be a true tribute to Ajitdada. I will share my opinion with Sunetratai in the meeting." Leaders from the NCP (SP) had previously indicated that Ajit Pawar was keen on pursuing a merger after the local body polls, with multiple meetings already conducted to explore this possibility.
A party MLA from Pune verified that legislators have been summoned for Tuesday's meeting, noting, "The agenda has not been formally communicated, but the merger issue is likely to be discussed." He added that Sunetra Pawar might interact with each MLA individually to gauge their stances thoroughly.
Internal Party Statements and Strategic Priorities
On Saturday, NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde declared that there would be no further internal discussions on the merger and that no leader would comment publicly on the issue, as it was perceived they were adopting an aggressive stance. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) MLA Jayant Patil, who identified himself as a key figure in discussions with Ajit Pawar regarding the proposed merger, revealed to reporters in Pune that it was Ajit Pawar who initiated the talks and visited his residence eleven times to deliberate. Patil remarked, "Looking at the political reactions to the matter, I have decided not to comment any further."
Earlier, senior NCP leader and minister Chhagan Bhujbal ruled out any immediate discussions on a merger, clarifying that the final decision would rest with Sunetra Pawar. He highlighted that the party's immediate priority is to strengthen her leadership and secure her election as national president. Bhujbal added that the merger issue would only be addressed after the national president is elected, with the decision ultimately made by her.
Call for Unity and Responsibility Among Party Members
Addressing newly elected members of the zilla parishad and panchayat samiti, Dilip Walse Patil urged cohesion and responsibility within the party ranks. He stated, "Whatever talks are going on, I do not want to get into them. After Ajit Pawar's demise, we now have a bigger responsibility before us. I urge all elected members not to indulge in lobbying or become adamant about posts, and to accept whatever responsibility the party assigns." This appeal underscores the broader context of leadership transition and party solidarity amidst ongoing merger discussions.
