Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that if there were advanced discussions regarding the merger of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions, the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar would have informed him. Fadnavis made these remarks on Sunday, following claims by NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar that February 12 had been set as the date to announce a merger between the two NCP factions. Sharad Pawar also suggested that Ajit Pawar's recent death in a plane crash on January 28 in Baramati, Pune, could impede the merger process.

Fadnavis told reporters that Ajit Pawar, with whom he shared a close relationship, would typically discuss important political matters with him. He stated he had no knowledge of any proposed merger date. Fadnavis questioned whether Ajit Pawar would have kept the BJP out of the loop on such a major decision, especially given that Ajit Pawar was "stable in the Mahayuti". He also raised the question of whether Ajit Pawar was planning to leave the government or continue in it, had the merger progressed.

The Chief Minister also addressed the claims surrounding Sunetra Pawar's appointment as deputy CM, rejecting suggestions that the swearing-in ceremony was rushed. He drew a parallel to the appointment of Rajiv Gandhi as Prime Minister following Indira Gandhi's assassination, emphasizing that parties make decisions based on prevailing circumstances. Sunetra Pawar has been allocated portfolios including State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Affairs, Minorities Development and Aukaf. Fadnavis clarified that he would retain the finance and planning portfolios temporarily, citing the extensive preparation required for the budget session and stating that a decision would be made after the session.

Fadnavis added that the BJP was aware of many internal developments but did not want to politicize them. He also mentioned that he had decided against campaigning in the upcoming zilla parishad polls out of respect for Ajit Pawar's death.

NCP state unit president Sunil Tatkare distanced himself from the controversy, affirming the party's commitment to the BJP-led NDA. He stated that the decision to join the NDA was made in June-July 2023 and that the party would remain in the alliance. Sharad Pawar's grandnephew, Rohit Pawar, stated that the family was not aware of Sunetra Pawar being made the deputy chief minister. He added that discussions on the merger could take place after a mourning period.

A video of a meeting between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar on January 17 has been circulating on social media.