Maharashtra politics is witnessing a lot of activity these days. Signs of the Thackeray brothers coming together after nearly two decades had started to emerge, leading to speculation about new equations forming in the state's politics.
Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar: Amidst the ongoing political developments in Maharashtra, the speculations regarding the merger of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have been put to rest. NCP state president Sunil Tatkare has made a major statement on this entire matter, clarifying that there is currently no discussion taking place between the two factions. Following his statement, the political storm that had risen in Maharashtra's politics seems to have subsided, for now.
No merger, no discussion: NCP President Sunil Tatkare
NCP state president and Ajit Pawar's close aide, Sunil Tatkare, has clearly stated that there is no discussion taking place between the Sharad Pawar faction and the Ajit Pawar faction. He also clarified that no discussions have started regarding the merger of the two factions, and no proposal is under consideration.
He said, "We are in the NDA (Mahayuti) and have resolved to remain there. If any major decision has to be taken, senior BJP leaders will be consulted first." After this statement by Sunil Tatkare, it is clear that the Ajit Pawar faction will remain with the NDA, and there is currently no possibility of any merger or reconciliation.
Political distance remains between uncle and nephew
Although Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar have been seen together on several occasions in the past few months, either on a common platform or at family events, politically, their paths remain completely separate. In July 2023, Ajit Pawar rebelled against his uncle Sharad Pawar and joined the BJP and Eknath Shinde's Mahayuti alliance. After this, Ajit Pawar's faction was also recognized as the 'real' NCP by the Election Commission.
Since then, there have been several speculations about political talks or alliances between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, but these speculations have been put to rest every time. Now, Sunil Tatkare's statement has further clarified that it seems impossible for the two factions to reunite.
Why did the speculation of reconciliation arise?
In Maharashtra, when news of closeness between the Thackeray brothers, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, emerged in the past few days, discussions also arose about a possible political reconciliation between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar. Speculation about bridging the political gap between uncle and nephew gained momentum when both leaders were seen together in public programs. But now it is clear that no such political deliberation is taking place.
- Ajit Pawar faction: Is a part of the BJP-led Mahayuti government, and Ajit Pawar's role as Deputy Chief Minister is very important in the power of Maharashtra.
- Sharad Pawar faction: Remains a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and is doing opposition politics against the BJP and NDA in collaboration with Congress and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena.
The ideology and political direction of both factions are completely different. In such a situation, the possibility of a merger between the two has been completely ruled out for now. It is noteworthy that Sharad Pawar founded the NCP in 1999. On the occasion of the NCP's foundation day on June 10, 2024, both factions organized separate programs.
Both had chosen Pune for their respective programs, but the platform and ideology remained different. This also gave a clear indication that there is very little scope left for the two to unite now.
