NCP merger appears to be in final stages, says Sanjay Shirsat
The Maharashtra minister indicated that leadership roles within the two factions will be decided soon following recent meetings.
Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said on Sunday that a merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appears to be in its final stages. Speaking to reporters during Diwali, Shirsat noted that the specific roles of various leaders are expected to be clarified shortly, according to reports by Business Today, Moneycontrol and Rediff.
The speculation follows a meeting on Saturday between NCP general secretary Parth Pawar and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar at his south Mumbai residence. Parth Pawar, the son of the late Ajit Pawar, visited to enquire about Sharad Pawar's health after his hospital discharge.
Other recent interactions have also fuelled merger discussions, including a meeting between senior leader Praful Patel and Sharad Pawar. A video of their discussion regarding a potential meeting after November 10 has also circulated on social media.
NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare stated that the factions would have reunited in February this year if Ajit Pawar were still living. Ajit Pawar, who led the NCP, passed away in a plane crash in January.
The party split in 2023 when Ajit Pawar and several leaders, including Praful Patel, joined the Mahayuti alliance. The Ajit Pawar group retained the original party name and symbol, while the group led by Sharad Pawar became known as NCP (SP).