Maharashtra: Sharad Pawar Dismisses Merger Rumours Amid Political Uncertainty in
Maharashtra: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar has firmly rejected speculation suggesting a possible reunification of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party following the death of Ajit Pawar. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Pawar described the circulating reports as unfounded and driven largely by media conjecture rather than internal political deliberations.
Clear Rejection of Alliance Speculation
Addressing questions about whether he might consider aligning with the National Democratic Alliance if both NCP factions were to merge, Sharad Pawar was unequivocal. He said such discussions were not taking place within his camp and stressed that the speculation existed only in public discourse. According to him, there had been no formal or informal communication suggesting a shift in political alignment or a move toward reunification.
Statements Attributed to Party Insiders
Earlier remarks by Kiran Gujar, a member of Vidya Prathisthan and a close associate of the Pawar family, had added momentum to the speculation. Gujar stated that Ajit Pawar’s final wish was to see both factions of the party reunited. These comments, however, were not officially endorsed by Sharad Pawar, who has distanced himself from such claims.
Background of Local-Level Cooperation
The two NCP factions had recently cooperated during the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections, contesting the polls together. There were also informal talks about a similar arrangement for upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. This limited collaboration led to assumptions that a broader reconciliation might be underway, including reports that the factions could contest future elections under a single party symbol.
Confusion Over Deputy Chief Minister Post
Sharad Pawar also addressed reports suggesting that Sunetra Pawar, an NCP Member of Parliament and Ajit Pawar’s wife, was being considered for the post of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. He said he had no information about such a decision and indicated that any move in that direction would have been taken by her party leadership.
He added that newspaper reports mentioned senior leaders such as Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare as being involved in discussions related to leadership decisions, but he declined to comment further.
Political Developments After Ajit Pawar’s Death
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, died in a plane crash in Baramati earlier this week, along with four others. Following his death, speculation intensified over who would fill the vacant Deputy Chief Minister position. Maharashtra Minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal stated that the party had proposed Sunetra Pawar’s name and had approached Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the timing of a possible swearing-in ceremony.
Sharad Pawar Distances Himself From Decisions
When questioned about the speed with which political decisions were being discussed so soon after the tragedy, Sharad Pawar suggested that these conversations were taking place within the Mahayuti government circles in Mumbai. He said that while the family remained united during a time of personal loss, the political discussions were being handled by senior leaders elsewhere. He made it clear that he would not comment on decisions taken by others.
Party Spokesperson Confirms Oath Plans
Earlier in the day, NCP spokesperson Rupali Patil Thombare stated that Sunetra Pawar was expected to take oath as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday. Speaking to ANI, Thombare said party workers had encouraged Sunetra Pawar to carry forward Ajit Pawar’s vision and work ethic, despite the personal grief she was experiencing.
Thombare emphasised that timing plays a crucial role in politics and acknowledged that public reactions would vary. She said the decision was made after careful consideration and with the support of party workers who believed it was important to act without delay.