Politics1 min read

'Things will be known at appropriate time': Sunetra Pawar on NCP merger speculation

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Speaking in Baramati, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar addressed rumors of an impending merger by noting that developments would be revealed when appropriate. The two factions had previously established an alliance for January municipal elections before Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash paused reunification momentum. A reunion had allegedly been planned for February, but recent high-level hospital visits and discussions between senior figures have now reignited consolidation discussions.

Key points

  • Sunetra Pawar stepped into her late husband's leadership and government positions followi…: Sunetra Pawar stepped into her late husband's leadership and government positions following his death in a January plane crash.
  • NCP state president Sunil Tatkare claimed that the two factions were on track to merge in…: NCP state president Sunil Tatkare claimed that the two factions were on track to merge in February before the fatal crash occurred.
  • A viral video showed senior leader Praful Patel and Sharad Pawar discussing an upcoming m…: A viral video showed senior leader Praful Patel and Sharad Pawar discussing an upcoming meeting scheduled after November 10.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sunetra Pawar on Wednesday sidestepped a question on the possible merger of the party’s two factions, saying a decision would become clear at the “appropriate time”.“I know all of you are more interested in a different issue at present. However, today’s subject is entirely different. Things (about the merger) will be known when the time comes,” she told reporters in Baramati, the Pawar family’s political stronghold.The NCP, co-founded by veteran politician Sharad Pawar in 1999, split in July 2023 after his nephew, Ajit Pawar, broke away and joined the BJP-led ruling coalition in Maharashtra. The Election Commission subsequently recognised the Ajit Pawar-led faction as the "real" NCP, while the Sharad Pawar-led group was named the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).In January, the two factions contested the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections in alliance, fuelling speculation about a possible merger. However, Ajit Pawar’s death in a private plane crash later that month cast uncertainty over the prospects of reunification.

Speculation about a possible merger gathered momentum last week after several NCP leaders,…

Politics