NCP Leaders Back Merger of Two Factions, Bhujbal Calls for Collective Decision

Senior NCP leader and Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Friday that any decision on the proposed merger of the two NCP factions would be taken collectively after consultations with all party leaders.

Bhujbal’s remarks came days after Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare spoke in favour of merging the two factions. Earlier, Tatkare had dismissed claims by NCP (SP) leaders about the possibility of a merger.

Meanwhile, the office of NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has been reaching out to party legislators to seek their views on the proposed merger.

A meeting was also held at Sunetra Pawar’s residence, ‘Jijai’, in Pune district. It was attended by her son Parth Pawar, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne and several party MLAs, including Shankar Mandekar and Dnyaneshwar (Mauli Aaba) Katke.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Bharne said all legislators had made it clear that they would accept whatever decision Sunetra Pawar takes.

“Sunetra Pawar is the chief of the party. We, the legislators, will support Sunetra Vahini’s decision,” he said.

In Nashik, Bhujbal, a senior OBC leader in Maharashtra, told reporters that discussions about the merger were underway. He added that party leaders were also learning about the developments through media reports and stressed that any such move should be undertaken collectively rather than through individual negotiations.

“We will sit together with all the leaders of our party and take a decision. We do not yet know what they want. How can this be worked out without discussing it among ourselves? Will everyone join the NDA or the INDIA alliance? Sunetra Pawar has said that everyone will be informed at the appropriate time. I am confident that she will take all of us into confidence before making any announcement,” Bhujbal said, responding to questions about the merger speculation.

The senior NCP leader also made a significant revelation regarding the proposed merger, claiming that Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil had discussed the possibility for 40 to 45 minutes in his presence.

Bhujbal said that after undergoing surgery on November 3, when he was unwell, Jayant Patil and Ajit Pawar had visited him to enquire about his health.

During the meeting, Bhujbal said he had taken the initiative to suggest that Ajit Pawar was providing good leadership and that both NCP factions should reunite.

Responding to questions about leaders from the Sunetra Ajit Pawar-led NCP meeting Sharad Pawar, Bhujbal said he had also visited the veteran leader in hospital and at his residence to enquire about his health.

“There is nothing wrong with visiting Pawar Saheb to enquire about his health. There are two leaders in my life who have guided me — Balasaheb Thackeray and Sharad Pawar. Unfortunately, Balasaheb is no longer alive,” he said.