NCP Factions Near Merger After Ajit Pawar's Death

Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat announced on November 8 that a merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is in its final stages. This follows a series of high-level meetings, including visits by NCP general secretary Parth Pawar and working president Praful Patel to NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar at his Mumbai residence and a local hospital.

Senior NCP leader Sunil Tatkare revealed that a reunification had been scheduled for February 12, but the process was stalled by the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. While Tatkare claimed the merger was driven by Ajit Pawar's willpower, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar questioned the timing, suggesting current talks are driven by political pressure rather than family emotion.

Internal friction persists within the party. Reports indicate that party president Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth Pawar initially resisted the move, and some leaders expressed dissatisfaction with Parth Pawar's growing influence. Additionally, a meeting between senior NCP leaders and Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly excluded Sunetra Pawar and her sons.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that while the factions are independent entities, they must consult the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as a major partner. Conversely, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut dismissed the possibility of the NCP joining the NDA, claiming the BJP is attempting to lure opposition parties to secure a majority for the delimitation Bill. Former home minister Anil Deshmukh has ruled out a merger entirely.