Maharashtra NCP Chief Sunil Tatkare stated that any decision regarding a merger with the Ajit Pawar faction would be collectively made by the party leadership. He defended the NCP’s move to join the NDA, emphasizing that it had been discussed internally for years. Tatkare refrained from advising Sharad Pawar on joining the NDA, citing his own limitations.
Tatkare clarified that while the two NCP factions are cooperating in certain regions, talks of a formal merger have not yet reached his desk. He criticized Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat for suggesting Sharad Pawar’s potential NDA membership, questioning the authority of Shirsat’s statement. NCP President Ajit Pawar mentioned that the current focus is on elections, leaving the possibility of a reunion between the NCP factions open for the future.
The speculation about a reunion between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar has intensified due to their factions’ alliance in local elections. Observers believe that if the Pawars unite, it could significantly impact Maharashtra’s political landscape by consolidating the Maratha vote bank. The potential reunion is closely watched for its implications on the state’s power dynamics.
