Fadnavis Dismisses NCP Merger Talk

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday dismissed speculation about a possible merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), asserting that the late Ajit Pawar would have kept the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) informed had such talks progressed. Responding to claims by leaders of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), Mr. Fadnavis said that a political development of such magnitude could not have moved forward without discussions with the BJP.

“If Ajit Pawar saheb was discussing any major political development like reunification of both NCP factions, he would have discussed it with us. It is 100 per cent the NCP’s prerogative. But we expect that they should hold discussions with us before arriving at any decision, as they have done in the past,” the Chief Minister said.

Referring to his relationship with Ajit Pawar, Mr. Fadnavis said the late leader shared all major political developments with him. “Ajit Dada and I shared a cordial relationship. It would be inappropriate to indulge in low-level politics at this time,” he said, adding that the Ajit Pawar-led NCP remains a trusted ally of the BJP.

The Chief Minister reiterated that if merger talks had reached an advanced stage, the BJP would have been informed. “Ajit Pawar was part of our government. It is inconceivable that such a significant decision would be taken without discussions with us,” he said, adding that he had no information about any proposed timeline for reunification.

Earlier, NCP founder Sharad Pawar had stated that Ajit Pawar and senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil had been discussing the possibility of a merger for the past four months. However, following Ajit Pawar’s death in an aircraft crash, Mr. Pawar said it appeared that the reunification process would now be discontinued.

Reacting to Mr. Fadnavis’ remarks, NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde said he could “swear by Ajit Dada” that merger talks had indeed taken place and rejected allegations that his party was attempting to take political advantage of Ajit Pawar’s death.

Asserting that reunification of the two factions was Ajit Pawar’s wish, Mr. Shinde said, “If a true tribute has to be paid to him, both factions must take a decision on this.”

Mr. Shinde claimed discussions on reunification had taken place directly with Ajit Pawar and that even a call was made to NCP state president Sunil Tatkare in this regard. He said the decision to contest Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections on the ‘clock’ symbol was taken in anticipation of a merger.

Mr. Shinde further claimed that Ajit Pawar had informed NCP (SP) leaders that he had discussed the matter with senior alliance leaders, including Mr. Fadnavis.