Speculation about a reunion between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has intensified following the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, but senior leader Sunil Tatkare has firmly refuted claims of any merger discussions. Tatkare, the NCP Maharashtra state president from Ajit Pawar’s faction, clarified that the January 17 meeting between Ajit Pawar and his uncle Sharad Pawar focused solely on local body elections and an agriculture-related event, with no talk of party unification.

Reports had earlier suggested the factions were set to announce a merger on February 12. That date passed without any development, and the political landscape in Maharashtra remains deeply divided. Tatkare’s statement aims to put an end to swirling rumours triggered by Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise on Wednesday while he was en route from Mumbai to Baramati for crucial pre-poll meetings. The crash occurred during a second landing attempt amid poor visibility.

Senior NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Jayant Patil offered a contrasting perspective, revealing that Ajit Pawar had expressed a strong personal desire for the factions to reunite. Patil disclosed that Ajit visited his home multiple times, shared meals, and held eight to ten discussions on unification. According to Patil, Ajit held deep respect for Sharad Pawar and wanted to move past past differences to strengthen the NCP in Maharashtra. He added that Ajit had entrusted him with deciding the announcement date, initially eyed for February 12.

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Another NCP (SP) leader, Ankush Kakade, recounted how Ajit Pawar sought to gift a reunited party to his uncle on Sharad Pawar’s birthday (December 12) last year. Though that plan did not materialise, Ajit reportedly told close aides they would reconcile after upcoming elections. “Unfortunately, he could not fulfil the wish,” Kakade said, reflecting on the missed opportunity.

The NCP split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar broke away from his uncle’s leadership to align with the ruling alliance in Maharashtra. His death has now cast uncertainty over the future political equations in the state, especially with local body polls approaching next month. While some voices from Sharad Pawar’s camp highlight Ajit’s reconciliation intent, Tatkare’s denial suggests no formal progress was made before the tragedy.

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