‘NCP may hold merger talks with NCP(SP), but will remain with NDA in Mumbai, Delhi’: Sunil Tatkare
On whether the two parties will contest the upcoming rural body polls on NCP’s ‘clock’ symbol, the Maharashtra NCP chief says: “It is possible. We will fight together and this means there will be one symbol”
NCP's Maharashtra unit chief Sunil Tatkare The poor performance of the two NCP factions in the recent municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra has fuelled speculations about the merger of the two parties – the Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP(SP).
In an interview with The Indian Express, the NCP’s Maharashtra unit chief Sunil Tatkare speaks about the debacle of the NCP factions’ alliance in some civic bodies, and the possibility of their merger, among other issues. Excerpts:
*Will the NCP factions contest the upcoming zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections together in places where an alliance was formed during the municipal corporation polls?
Ajit dada (Ajit Pawar) has already said that the two NCP factions should form an alliance wherever possible. Wherever an alliance is not possible, we will fight on our own. The arrangement we had during the municipal corporation elections will continue.
*Will the two parties fight on the NCP’s ‘clock’ symbol?
It is possible. We will fight together and this means there will be one symbol.
*Does this indicate that the two NCP factions are headed for a merger?
I cannot say anything on this as a merger is dependent on many other factors. We are a part of the NDA and this needs to be taken into consideration.
*Are you keen on a merger?
The NCP is not eager but the two parties will hold discussions (over the issue) if circumstances arise and will only then arrive at a decision. However, I want to make it clear that we are a part of the NDA and will remain so, both in Mumbai and Delhi. I have nothing more to say on this.
*What do you think went wrong for the NCP-NCP(SP) combine in the municipal corporation polls, especially in its strongholds of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad?
We are still analysing the results and will take corrective steps after getting the full picture about what went wrong.
*Prima facie, what do you think went against you?
Every corporation has a different equation. We respect the people’s mandate and will analyse our shortcomings. This will help us in the ensuing (zilla parishad and panchayat samiti) elections.
*During the municipal corporation polls, Ajit Pawar openly slammed the BJP rule in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad and accused the party of corruption, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to say he was hurt by such remarks…
This issue is done and dusted. Such things happen sometimes during elections. We are part of the BJP-led Mahayuti and will remain so.
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