Sunetra Pawar's Cabinet Entry Without Consultation Stalls NCP Merger Talks in Pune
In a significant political development in Pune, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar's decision to join the state cabinet without consulting the senior family member, Sharad Pawar, has virtually snowballed into a major roadblock for the proposed merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions. This move has not only created palpable uneasiness within the family but also complicated the delicate unification process that was being discussed for months.
Emotional Claims and Avoided Discussions
Members of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction have been attaching deep emotion to the merger issue, consistently claiming that the unification of the two NCP groups was the last wish of the late Ajit Pawar. However, senior NCP leaders have been conspicuously avoiding detailed discussions on this matter, indicating a clear lack of keenness to advance the merger talks that were initiated by Ajit Pawar and former state president Jayant Patil several months ago.
Sharad Pawar Hints at Derailment
NCP (SP) chief and Ajit Pawar's uncle, Sharad Pawar, hinted at the potential derailment of the merger talks during a recent statement. He revealed, "Ajit had finalized February 12 for the formal merger after holding multiple meetings with Patil, but before that announcement could be made, the tragedy struck. Now, following the unfortunate incident, talks between the two parties are likely to be stalled." This statement underscores the fragile state of the negotiations in the wake of Ajit Pawar's tragic death in a plane crash.
Merger as a Tribute to Ajit Pawar
In the aftermath of Ajit Pawar's passing, NCP (SP) members have been vocal in their assertion that unifying both factions would serve as a fitting tribute to him. Sharad Pawar emphasized this sentiment, stating, "Reunion of the NCPs was Ajit's wish, and we feel his wish should be fulfilled. Now, Patil and others will decide the future course of action." It is noteworthy that Ajit and Patil had been actively discussing the merger issue over the past four to five months, laying the groundwork for what was intended to be a historic political consolidation.
Patil's Insights and Sunetra's Potential Role
Jayant Patil provided further insights into the discussions, recalling, "He (Ajit) and I discussed the merger over dinner. He wanted to make it happen at the earliest and seek the blessings of Pawar saheb. After his death, Sunetra vahini can take the lead in fulfilling his wish." This highlights the personal commitment Ajit Pawar had towards the merger and positions Sunetra Pawar as a potential key figure in advancing the process, despite the current complications arising from her cabinet entry.
Bhujbal's Non-Committal Stance
Adding to the complexity, NCP member and cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who played a pivotal role in convincing Sunetra Pawar to join the state cabinet, has remained notably non-committal on the merger issue. His stance reflects the broader uncertainty and hesitation within the party ranks, further stalling the progress of the unification talks that were once seen as imminent.
The unfolding scenario in Pune underscores the intricate interplay of family dynamics, political ambitions, and emotional legacies, making the path forward for the NCP merger increasingly uncertain and contentious.
