Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday stated that the decision on the merger of the two NCP factions rests entirely with the parties themselves, adding that the BJP will respond only after a final announcement is made. He made the remarks during his first cabinet meeting following the death of NCP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar last month.

Paying tribute to the late leader, Fadnavis welcomed Sunetra Pawar, who was recently appointed Deputy Chief Minister and has assumed the portfolios previously held by her late husband. He noted that under her leadership, the NCP performed well in the recent Zilla Parishad elections and wished her success in her new role.

Fadnavis acknowledged that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP had earlier indicated that merger talks were advanced, with February 12 earmarked for the announcement. “It is up to the parties to decide. The BJP will react once a decision is made,” he reiterated, signaling that the central ruling party is taking a wait-and-watch approach.

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When asked about MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s criticism of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Fadnavis suggested that those not invited to the Sangh’s centenary event were feeling left out, prompting public remarks. He emphasized that the programme was intended to engage various sections of society in dialogue about the organisation’s 100-year legacy.

On BJP’s recent political gains, including winning the mayor post in Chandrapur with Shiv Sena (UBT) support, Fadnavis said he would provide comments after reviewing the details, underscoring the party’s cautious stance on reporting emerging developments.

The CM’s remarks underline both the delicate handling of NCP’s internal consolidation following Ajit Pawar’s death and the BJP’s strategic approach to political developments in Maharashtra, reflecting the evolving dynamics within the state.

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