The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is abuzz with talks of a potential merger between its factions following the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on Wednesday. Senior NCP leaders met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday to discuss the future of key portfolios previously held by Ajit Pawar. The meeting also comes amidst growing speculation that Ajit Pawar's last wish was for the two NCP factions to reunite.
The NCP delegation, including senior leaders Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal, arrived at Fadnavis's residence to ensure the party retains control of crucial cabinet positions, particularly the Finance Department. A formal letter is expected to be submitted, requesting that the portfolios previously held by Pawar remain within the party's quota. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Patel emphasized the need to fill the Deputy Chief Minister's post as soon as possible, while also considering public sentiment and allowing the Pawar family time to grieve.
Adding fuel to the merger speculation, Kiran Gujar, a close associate of the Pawar family, revealed that Ajit Pawar was actively planning the reunification of the two NCP factions. Gujar stated that Ajit Pawar had confided in him just five days before the tragic accident, expressing his strong desire for the merger to materialize soon. According to Gujar, Ajit Pawar had a clear roadmap for the reunification and the future direction of the united party and had been in positive talks with Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, and other leaders.
Echoing this sentiment, NCP-SCP leader and former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh emphasized the importance of respecting Ajit Pawar's wish for a merger. He noted that Jayant Patil had also held meetings regarding the merger and that a decision would be made after the municipal corporation elections. Deshmukh stressed that both factions need to come together to honor Ajit Dada's final wish.
While leaders from the Sharad Pawar faction have urged restraint in public discussions, Eknath Khadse, a senior NCP (SP) leader, acknowledged that both Nationalist Congress parties would eventually come together. He emphasized that it was still too soon to discuss such matters, given the recent tragedy.
The potential merger has added a new dimension to Maharashtra's political landscape. Ajit Pawar's death has not only created a leadership vacuum within the NCP but has also reignited discussions about the party's future. The coming days are crucial as the NCP legislative party is scheduled to meet on Sunday, where Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, is likely to be elected as the leader of the legislative party. A decision on the party's new president is also expected to be taken at Saturday's meeting.
The NCP and NCP (SCP) had previously contested the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections in an alliance. There were also talks of extending the alliance for the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls, further indicating a move towards unity. As the NCP navigates this period of grief and uncertainty, the possibility of a merger looms large, potentially reshaping the political dynamics of Maharashtra. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether Ajit Pawar's last wish will be fulfilled.
