In a significant development within Maharashtra's political landscape, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state president Sunil Tatkare has clarified his stance on the potential unification of the party's two rival factions. While expressing no personal opposition, Tatkare emphasized that any decision regarding a merger must be taken collectively by the party's top leadership.
Collective Decision Over Personal Opinion
Addressing media in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday, Tatkare provided crucial insights into the internal dynamics of the NCP. He stated that while he harbors no personal objection to a possible merger, the final call cannot be an individual one. "Therefore, if a merger decision is taken in future, it too will have to be a collective one," he asserted. This statement comes at a time when the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction and the Sharad Pawar-led group have formed an electoral alliance for municipal corporation polls in certain areas, sparking widespread speculation about a full reunion.
Context of Alliance and Past Decisions
Tatkare drew parallels between the current merger talks and the party's earlier, contentious decision to align with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He revealed that the move to join the NDA was debated within the party for several years before being finalized. "Eventually, we did decide to go with NDA. We faced criticism then, and continue to do so even today," he remarked, indicating that a merger would similarly require broad consensus to weather potential political fallout.
When questioned about veteran leader Sharad Pawar's potential entry into the NDA, Tatkare maintained a respectful distance, stating he was not in a position to advise the senior politician. "I know my limitations. We have already decided to remain with NDA, and we are firm on that stand," he clarified, reinforcing his faction's committed position.
Local Alliances and Merger Speculation
The immediate trigger for the merger discourse appears to be the ongoing local body elections. Tatkare confirmed that both NCP factions are contesting together in key urban centers like Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, a move that has energized party cadres. However, he was quick to temper expectations of a broader unification.
He specifically addressed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's recent comments hinting at a merger, clarifying that they were limited to the context of Pimpri Chinchwad. "I have not heard him making such statements elsewhere. Therefore, those remarks cannot be given a general interpretation," Tatkare said. He further revealed that, in his capacity as the state party president, no formal discussions regarding a merger have been held with him so far.
In a pointed dismissal, Tatkare also refuted claims made by Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat about Sharad Pawar joining the NDA, suggesting Shirsat sometimes "slips" in his public pronouncements.
Electoral Strategy and Future Steps
Outlining the party's approach for the civic polls, Tatkare denied that the NCP is contesting to fill a political vacuum left by opponents. He stated the party is primarily fighting for its dedicated workers, with elections being held after a long gap. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Ajit Pawar-led faction has fielded candidates in 78 seats, indicating a robust electoral effort.
The statements from a senior leader like Sunil Tatkare highlight the careful and calculated steps being taken within the NCP. While local alliances show pragmatic cooperation, a full-scale organizational merger remains a complex issue that would require extensive deliberation and a unanimous decision from the party brass, keeping Maharashtra's political observers keenly watching for the next development.
