Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare on Monday reaffirmed that the party, under the late Ajit Pawar’s leadership, had collectively decided to stay in the BJP-led NDA. Speaking amid speculation of a merger with Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) faction, Tatkare questioned, “Which party was to merge with which?” indicating that reunification talks are currently uncertain.

Tatkare clarified that the recent appointment of Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, as the NCP legislature party leader was an internal decision of the party, and the BJP had no involvement in the process. He stressed that the legislature party was capable of independently making leadership decisions, including the swearing-in of the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Speculation about the NCP factions’ reunification had intensified after leaders of NCP (SP) claimed talks were in advanced stages, with Ajit Pawar reportedly finalizing February 12 for an announcement. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that if any merger discussions were ongoing, he would have been briefed by his deputy Ajit Pawar.

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Senior leaders within NCP (ruling faction) maintained that merger talks were not yet finalized, with Hasan Mushrif asserting that Sunetra Pawar and the Pawar family would determine the next steps. He added that accepting the deputy CM post was aimed at maintaining party unity following Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash on January 28.

Meanwhile, NCP (SP) leaders, including Jitendra Awhad, insisted that discussions with Ajit Pawar had taken place and reunification was “2,000 per cent correct,” while Shashikant Shinde emphasized focusing on upcoming local elections instead. Congress leaders also expressed concerns over political maneuvering, demanding an impartial inquiry into Ajit Pawar’s death amid rising tensions.

Political analysts say the uncertainty over the potential merger reflects the deep divisions within the NCP, compounded by pressures to maintain alignment with the BJP-led NDA. The coming weeks are expected to be decisive, as party leaders weigh internal unity against broader electoral strategy in Maharashtra.

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