Speaking from his Baramati residence, Sharad Pawar said that Ajit Pawar, along with senior leaders Shashikant Shinde and Jayant Patil, had actively initiated discussions to bring the two factions together. “Ajit also wanted this merger, and it must be fulfilled,” he stated, underlining the political significance of the unification.
Sources indicate that Ajit Pawar met Sharad Pawar on January 17 in Baramati to discuss the Baramati Agricultural Exhibition and the Zilla Parishad elections. While media reports suggested that merger talks were underway during this meeting, the agenda primarily focused on local elections. Ajit tragically died in a plane crash 11 days later.
Three key voices have reinforced the planned merger:
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Kiran Gujar, Ajit Pawar’s close aide, told PTI that both factions were “100% keen” on merging and that Ajit had prepared a detailed roadmap for a united NCP.
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Jayant Patil noted multiple discussions with Ajit, highlighting that local body elections were to be contested jointly before formalizing the merger.
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Eknath Khadse, leader of the Sharad Pawar faction (NCP SP), confirmed that both sides were set to reunite and the merger was already decided.
Political analysts suggest that the merger could significantly alter Maharashtra’s political landscape. A united NCP would consolidate its influence in Western Maharashtra’s sugar belt, where the BJP has recently gained ground in municipal polls. Combined, the NCP could command nine Lok Sabha seats and 51 MLAs, potentially impacting both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Following Ajit Pawar’s demise, the state finance portfolio is expected to remain with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who may present the upcoming state budget in March. Ajit had previously held the finance ministry after joining the Mahayuti government in July 2023.
Background: The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999, split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar joined the Shinde-led government. The factions have since contested political and legal battles over party name and election symbol, with Ajit Pawar retaining the original NCP identity. Sharad Pawar’s faction continues to be a key part of the MVA opposition.
The February 12 merger, Pawar noted, was intended to strengthen the party ahead of local body elections and consolidate leadership in the state.
