The Nationalist Congress Party, led by Sharad Pawar, has stated that discussions have concluded, anticipating an official declaration regarding the merger with the NCP under the late Ajit Pawar’s leadership. Despite confirmation from NCP-SP state president Shashikant Shinde and senior MLA Jayant Patil, the NCP remains reticent, refraining from disclosing further details on the matter.
Senior party leader Eknath Khadse revealed that discussions had been ongoing for three to four months, with a near-final decision on the merger. Former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh emphasized Ajit Pawar’s desire for the merger, with plans for an announcement post-municipal corporation elections, aligning with Ajit Pawar’s wishes for unity between factions.
Former minister Rajesh Tope affirmed that the merger decision was made in Ajit Pawar’s presence, awaiting only the official announcement following the Zilla Parishad elections. However, NCP leaders have chosen not to comment on the merger issue, focusing instead on selecting the legislative party leader and the deputy CM.
NCP factions are currently collaborating for the ongoing elections to the 12 zilla parishads and 125 panchayat samitis in the state. Ajit Pawar, who tragically passed away in a plane crash, had actively campaigned for the zilla parishad elections, expressing his desire to reunite the two NCP factions as a gesture to Sharad Pawar on his birthday.
