Differing views in NCP on merger talks surface

Responding to the video, Tatkare said the gathering had taken place during a tea break at an agricultural exhibition in Baramati. He added that Ajit Pawar had later addressed the media and clarified that the discussion was limited to local body elections. NCP leader Sunil Tatkare however denied the meeting was about a merger.

However, Anil Patil, MLA and chief whip of the NCP, said it remained unclear whether the meeting was related to local body elections or a merger, noting that the only leader who could definitively answer that question was no longer alive.

While some party leaders have opposed the merger, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and NCP leader Anna Bansode has expressed support for the move. He said he had long advocated unity between the two factions and added that since Sharad Pawar is regarded as a guiding figure by party workers, an early decision on reunification would be important for both the state and the party cadre.

Minister of Cooperation Babasaheb Patil and Minister Narhari Zirwal have also backed the idea of a merger. Babasaheb Patil said it had been Ajit Pawar’s wish that the two factions work together and that other leaders agreed with him. Zirwal said meetings between the two leaders had been taking place for a long time and expressed confidence that the parties would unite soon, adding that given Sharad Pawar’s age and health, there was no alternative but to come together.