NCP merger talks gain traction after Ajit Pawar’s demise; Anil Deshmukh claims decision already taken

Following the sudden demise of NCP chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, the talks of the merger of the party with Sharad Pawar-led NCP(SCP) have gained traction with former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Friday claiming that a decision has already been made and the final announcement is pending.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Deshmukh said that Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar’s family, including wife Sunetra and sons Parth and Jay Pawar, will sit together to finalise the merger.

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“Sharad Pawar, Sunetra Bhabhi, Parth Pawar, Jay Pawar, and all of Ajit Dada’s brothers and sisters will sit together and make a decision,” he said.

The senior NCP-SCP leader claimed that Ajit Pawar wanted both factions to come together as soon as possible and a decision had already been made. “Only the announcement remained,” he said.

According to Deshmukh, it was decided that after the municipal elections, by January 20, the declaration would be made, and both parties would unite. However, due to the sudden district council elections, the decision was postponed, and it was expected to happen around February 10.

NCP leaders meet Fadnavis claiming Ajit Pawar portfolios; Sunetra Pawar likely to get Deputy CM post

Ajit Pawar is the nephew of Sharad Pawar. He engineered a split in the original NCP in 2023 and retained the party name and poll symbol. Sharad Pawar formed his own party as the two leaders had differences over joining the BJP-led NDA.

Earlier today, a delegation of NCP leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP and party working president Praful Patel, NCP state chief and Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare, minister Chhagan Bhujbal and MLA Dhananjay Munde, Friday met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the early allocations of portfolios held by Ajit Pawar.

As per the reports, Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra, who is currently a Rajya Sabha MP, is likely to retain the post of Maharashtra Deputy CM held by her late husband.

When asked about it, Deshmukh said if Sunetra is made Deputy Chief Minister, it will be a matter of great joy. “The family will sit together after three or four days and then take a decision,” he added.