NCP Merger Talks: From Denial to Admission

Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare has confirmed that discussions about merging the two NCP factions were indeed taking place before the death of Ajit Pawar, the former Deputy CM. This revelation comes after prior denials from the Sharad Pawar-led party.

Tatkare stated that he was not opposed to these talks, emphasizing the NCP's continued alignment with the BJP-led NDA. The discussion around the merger has caused some contradictions among party members, with NCP (SP) state unit president Shashikant Shinde referring to earlier denials and subsequent admissions.

Despite the ongoing mourning for Ajit Pawar, leaders like NCP MLA Sunil Shelke and assembly deputy speaker Anna Bansode support reuniting factions led by Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar. The NCP, which has recently faced a split, continues to deliberate its political alignments amidst talks of reunification.