Sunetra Pawar Pulls Up Tatkare Over Maharashtra CM Meeting Amid NCP Merger Buzz

The meeting fuelled speculation that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP could back the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on the proposed Delimitation Bill in Parliament, while also reviving talk of a possible rapprochement between the two rival NCP factions.

According to the sources, NCP national president and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar expressed strong displeasure with Maharashtra unit chief Sunil Tatkare during a party meeting on Wednesday for not informing her in advance about Tuesday night's meeting with Mr Fadnavis.

The speculation intensified after Mr Patil met Mr Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha, on Tuesday night. Tatkare and NCP working president Praful Patel were also reportedly present at the meeting with the Chief Minister, triggering fresh speculation about a possible reconciliation between the two rival NCP factions that split in 2023 after Ajit Pawar joined the NDA.

The sources claimed that the issue figured prominently at a meeting held at the Deputy Chief Minister's official residence, Devgiri, on Wednesday morning. Besides Sunetra Pawar and Tatkare, the meeting was attended by Parth Pawar, ministers Chhagan Bhujbal and Hasan Mushrif, along with other senior party leaders. “Sunetra Pawar questioned Mr Tatkare over why she had not been informed in advance about the meeting with the Chief Minister. She is learnt to have expressed displeasure that such an important political development took place without her knowledge,” the sources said.

Mr Tatkare reportedly explained that he and Praful Patel decided to attend the meeting after learning that Jayant Patil was scheduled to meet Mr Fadnavis. He is learnt to have told Sunetra Pawar that their presence was intended to prevent any misunderstanding between the Chief Minister and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP over the evolving political situation, particularly amid reports that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP could support the Delimitation Bill.

Sources said that Sunetra Pawar remained unconvinced and asked why neither Mr Tatkare nor Mr Patel considered it necessary to inform her before attending the meeting. “Didn't you think it was important to inform me in advance? Ms Pawar asked Mr Tatkare,” said the sources.

As reports of the alleged differences surfaced in the media, Mr Tatkare dismissed the reports of any rift within the party. Speaking with reporters, the Maharashtra NCP chief said, “I share the same cordial relationship with Sunetra Vahini as I do with Ajit Dada. There is no misunderstanding or resentment between us."
The controversy comes amid persistent speculation over leadership issues within the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.