The late Ajit Pawar was actively working towards reunifying the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) before his death on January 28, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) Maharashtra unit president Shashikant Shinde said on Saturday. However, Shinde clarified that neither NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar nor other senior leaders had prior knowledge of the decision to swear in Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister.
Speaking to reporters, Shinde confirmed that multiple discussions and meetings had taken place in recent months aimed at bringing the rival NCP factions back together.
“There had been discussions and meetings on the two NCPs coming together. But Ajitdada is no more. Some broad positions had been discussed earlier. Now, we will discuss what needs to be done and then make a decision. How others respond is their call,” Shinde was quoted by PTI as saying.
Questions Over ‘Haste’ in Swearing-In Ceremony
Addressing questions surrounding the apparent urgency with which Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in ceremony was conducted, Shinde said explanations should come from her family, senior party leaders, or the state’s top leadership.
Sunetra Pawar, 62, the wife of Ajit Pawar, was sworn in on Saturday as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, a move that has triggered political debate given the state was still mourning the sudden death of Ajit Pawar.
“Ajit Pawar’s passing is a great loss to Maharashtra. When the state is in mourning, why this decision was taken is not known to us. They will have to explain it,” Shinde said, adding that Sharad Pawar had no prior knowledge of her swearing-in.
Sharad Pawar himself echoed this sentiment, stating earlier in the day that he had “no idea” about Sunetra Pawar taking oath as deputy chief minister.
Merger Talks Were in Advanced Stage
Providing details of the unification effort, Shashikant Shinde revealed that eight to ten meetings were held in the three months leading up to Ajit Pawar’s crucial January 17 meeting with Sharad Pawar.
“After the civic elections, a decision was taken to work towards unifying the two parties. This position was also conveyed to Sharad Pawar,” he said.
Refuting speculation, Shinde clarified that the January 17 meeting — footage of which has since gone viral — took place at Sharad Pawar’s residence, not at the home of NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil.
“Ajitdada said he had discussed the matter with the state president and others, and that he has taken the decision,” Shinde added.
When asked whether Ajit Pawar faced resistance from senior leaders within his faction over the proposed merger, Shinde said he had no information on internal opposition.
“After completing all processes, we will try to bring leaders from both sides together and hold discussions. Based on the decisions they take, we will decide our next course of action,” he said.
January 17 Video and Confirmation
The viral video of the January 17 meeting shows Sharad Pawar seated at the centre, flanked by Ajit Pawar and senior leaders including Jayant Patil, Rajesh Tope, Shashikant Shinde, Harshwardhan Patil, Rohit Pawar, and Lok Sabha MP Amol Kolhe.
Kiran Gujar, a close aide and confidant of Ajit Pawar and the Pawar family in Baramati, confirmed that the meeting was indeed focused on finalising merger discussions.
“The meeting took place on January 17, and Ajit Dada told me about the outcome of the meeting on January 21,” Gujar said.
February 12 Was Finalised for Merger Announcement: Sharad Pawar
Earlier, Sharad Pawar had revealed that his late nephew had finalised February 12 as the date to formally announce the merger between the two NCP factions.
“All discussions were held at their level, but it now appears the process may hit a roadblock following the accident,” the NCP (SP) chief said.
Ajit Pawar’s sudden death has now cast uncertainty over the reunification process, with party leaders indicating that further consultations will determine the future course.