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Chhagan Bhujbal said the possibility of bringing the two NCP factions together was being discussed, but several questions remained unanswered.
Nearly 10 Months After Ajit Pawar’s Death, NCP Merger Talks Gain Momentum
Speculation over a possible merger between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions led by Sunetra Pawar and Sharad Pawar has gathered pace, nearly 10 months after Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash. However, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal has said that no concrete decision has been taken so far and discussions remain at a preliminary stage.
Speaking on Friday, Bhujbal said the possibility of bringing the two factions together was being discussed, but several questions remained unanswered, including who would take the initiative and how the proposed merger would be carried out.
“Discussions about a merger are taking place. We are also hearing about them and following the reports appearing in the media. However, no situation has arisen so far where a concrete decision can be taken,” Bhujbal said.
He added that bringing the two factions together was a wish shared by several party members, but the process would require careful consideration.
Why NCP merger talks remain complicated
Bhujbal said the two factions had different political alignments, making a merger more complicated. While one faction is part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the other is associated with the opposition INDIA bloc.
He said the NCP was part of the government and could not take any decision without consulting its allies.
At A Glance
Discussions regarding a potential merger between the NCP factions led by Sunetra Pawar and Sharad Pawar are currently at a preliminary stage.
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Chhagan Bhujbal stated that no concrete decisions have been reached regarding the merger.
The two factions currently hold differing political alignments, with one part of the NDA and the other associated with the INDIA bloc.
Sunetra Pawar became NCP president following the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash.
“We (NCP) are in the government with them. We cannot take any step without consulting them. Their consent will have to be taken,” he said.
The minister also pointed out that leaders from both sides had their own expectations and political interests, which would have to be reconciled before any agreement could be reached.
“Everyone has their own expectations and their own perspective. How all this can be brought together is a complicated question,” he added.
Asked whether he would take the initiative to bring the two factions together, Bhujbal said the decision would rest with the party leadership.
“My party leaders, MLAs and district presidents will have to decide. I will express my opinion before them,” he said.
He also said it was not clear what the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) wanted from the proposed merger.
Sharad Pawar-Ajit Pawar meeting
Recalling an earlier interaction at an agricultural exhibition in Baramati, Bhujbal said Sharad Pawar and four to five of his associates had met Ajit Pawar in the presence of Supriya Sule.
He said the political situation had changed significantly following Ajit Pawar’s sudden death.
“If Ajit Dada had been there, he would certainly have taken everyone along and led them forward. But his sudden death has changed the entire situation,” Bhujbal said.
He added that Sunetra Pawar, who became NCP president following her husband’s death, would eventually explain the developments to party members and address their concerns.
“I am sure Sunetra tai will give everyone confidence and explain what is happening,” he said.
Relationship with Sharad Pawar
Bhujbal also spoke about his personal and political relationship with Sharad Pawar, describing him as one of Maharashtra’s senior-most and most mature political leaders.
He said that despite belonging to different political factions, Sharad Pawar maintained relationships with people across party lines and did not allow political differences to affect every interaction.
“Sharad Pawar’s party is different and my party is different. But he is such a person that even if someone is his political enemy, he maintains relations and speaks to them. He does not bring politics into every matter,” Bhujbal said.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Chhagan Bhujbal clarified that no concrete decision has been made regarding a merger, noting that discussions are still at a preliminary stage with many questions left unanswered.
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Shuddhanta Patra is an Indian journalist with about nine years of experience in covering national politics, geopolitics, defence, diplomacy and international affairs. Her reporting focuses on South As…Read More
November 13, 2026, 8:21 PM IST
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