Maharashtra Minister Aditi Tatkare on Wednesday affirmed that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers will support whatever decision party chief Sunetra Pawar takes regarding the potential merger of rival NCP factions. Her statement comes amid speculation about uniting the NCP under a single leadership following recent developments in the party.
The merger talks gained attention after the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. Following the tragedy, Ajit Pawar had headed the ruling NCP, while his wife, Sunetra Pawar, assumed leadership of the party. “Party workers stand firmly behind Sunetra Pawar and will support decisions taken under her leadership,” Tatkare told reporters in response to queries about the merger.
On the circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar’s death, Tatkare said the party has requested a thorough probe by central and state agencies, including the CBI and the CID, to determine whether the crash was an accident or involved foul play. She also expressed confidence that senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, would ensure justice is served.
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Regarding the upcoming bypolls in Rahuri (Ahilyanagar) and Baramati (Pune) assembly constituencies, Tatkare emphasized that the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena, makes collective decisions on candidates. She indicated that the coalition treats candidates from any constituent party as joint nominees and appealed to opposition parties to allow Sunetra Pawar to contest in Baramati unopposed.
Tatkare cited a longstanding political tradition in Maharashtra, where parties often avoid fielding a candidate against the family member of a deceased leader. She encouraged consensus-based approaches to maintain decorum and stability in local politics. Addressing internal party matters, including allegations against the NCP campaign agency, she said such issues were “needlessly exaggerated” and would be resolved internally if necessary.
In addition, Tatkare announced that the deadline for e-KYC compliance under the Ladki Bahin scheme has been extended to April 30. This extension allows beneficiaries to correct errors made during previous submissions, ensuring wider participation and access to the program’s benefits.
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