Speculations Intensify Over NCP Reunification Following Ajit Pawar's Demise

Speculations regarding the reunification of the two split factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra have gained momentum once again. A series of recent political meetings and hospital visits have led to conjectures as to whether both parties are covertly moving towards a merger. Although leaders from both sides have publicly denied these claims, internal dynamics within the Pawar family and dissatisfaction regarding leadership have made the situation more complex.

One of the most startling claims in this discourse has come from the Maharashtra NCP State President, Sunil Tatkare. According to a News18 report, Tatkare stated that had Ajit Pawar been alive, the merger of the two factions would have been formally completed on February 12. This statement suggests that negotiations for reunification were well advanced before Ajit Pawar's passing, but remained incomplete.

Recent events have further fueled these speculations. While NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar was undergoing treatment for a chest and respiratory infection at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, NCP National Executive President Praful Patel visited him. A video has surfaced on social media in which Sharad Pawar is seen telling Praful Patel that they could sit together after November 10, to which Patel responds that he would have returned to Mumbai by then.

However, Praful Patel clarified to the media that his visit was primarily to enquire about Sharad Pawar's health. He stated that despite political differences, their personal and family ties remain intact. Patel further added that a hospital is not an appropriate venue for political discussions; therefore, no detailed political talks took place. Nevertheless, he hinted that another meeting could occur after November 10.

Meanwhile, family movements have also been noted. Sharad Pawar's nephew, Parth Pawar, visited him twice in two days. On the other hand, a meeting of senior NCP leaders was held with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. This delegation included Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, Hasan Mushrif, Dilip Walse Patil, and Dhananjay Munde. Notably, Supriya Pawar and her son Parth Pawar were not included in this delegation.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the ailing Sharad Pawar over the phone, advising him to focus on his health and mentioning that Supriya Sule was available to assist. Amidst these developments, leaders from Sharad Pawar's camp and the NCP under Ajit Pawar's leadership have both denied talks of a merger. Leaders of Ajit Pawar's faction maintain that no merger talks are currently underway, while supporters of Sharad Pawar believe the matter has already been settled.

According to political analysts, the growing sense of dissatisfaction over who will hold leadership in the ruling NCP, coupled with the unfinished negotiations following Ajit Pawar's demise, keep the possibilities of reunification alive. Whether these visits in Maharashtra's political landscape are merely familial or part of a larger political strategy will become clear in the coming days.