Sunetra Pawar Says NCP Merger Clarity Will Emerge ‘At The Right Time’
NCP state president Sunil Tatkare’s meeting with Sunetra has further fuelled the speculation: Reports
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Wednesday refrained from confirming or denying the possibility of a merger between the two NCP factions, saying that things would become clear at the appropriate time. Her remarks come amid growing speculation over a possible merger following meetings between senior leaders of both factions.
NCP state president Sunil Tatkare’s meeting with Sunetra has further fuelled the speculation, while leaders of the Ajit Pawar faction have also sought an appointment with Sharad Pawar to discuss their future strategy. Amid this, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare on Wednesday met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha. Mr Tatkare’s visit to the Chief Minister’s residence assumes political significance in view of Mr Fadnavis’ remark that a merger of the two factions would not take place without the BJP’s consent.
Speaking to reporters in Baramati at a press conference convened to provide information about the Maharashtra Government’s eight-day programme marking the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sunetra was asked about the proposed merger. “Today’s press conference is on a different subject. I know all of you are curious about the other issue. Nevertheless, I would like to tell you that you will come to know when the time comes,” the NCP chief said, avoiding a direct response.
Speculation has gained momentum following a series of meetings at Silver Oak, the Mumbai residence of NCP founder and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar. Late Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar, met his grandfather on two consecutive days, with both meetings reportedly lasting around two hours. NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde also met Sharad Pawar twice, while party MLA Rohit Pawar held a separate meeting with him. Senior leaders Jayant Patil, Amol Kolhe, Anil Deshmukh and Jitendra Awhad have also held discussions with the veteran Maratha leader.
Last week, NCP working president Praful Patel met Sharad Pawar at Breach Candy Hospital. Following the meeting, Patel said he had visited to enquire about Sharad Pawar’s health, adding that political discussions could take place separately after the Deepawali festival. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called the NCP founder to enquire about his well-being. It is also learnt that both sides could soon sit together to discuss the terms of the merger.
According to sources, Sunil Tatkare held a closed-door meeting with the Chief Minister that lasted around an hour. However, Mr Tatkare told this newspaper that he had met the Chief Minister to extend Deepawali greetings.
Earlier this month, Mr Tatkare had admitted for the first time that a merger of the two NCP factions was on the cards and could have been finalised by February 12 had Ajit Pawar been alive. However, discussions on the merger took a back seat following Ajit Pawar’s death.
