Ajit Pawar Had Planned NCP Merger by February 12, Sunil Tatkare Says

Sunil Tatkare Says Ajit Pawar Had Finalised Merger Plan

The possibility of a reunion between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has returned to the political spotlight after Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare claimed that Ajit Pawar had planned to complete the merger by February 12, 2026.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, November 6, Tatkare said discussions about bringing the two factions together had taken place when Ajit Pawar was alive. He claimed that the late NCP leader had personally explained the proposed merger process and its details to him.

Tatkare said the reunification would have been completed by February 12 had Ajit Pawar been alive. However, the process stopped after his death on January 28 in a plane crash.

Ajit Pawar's Death Halted the Merger Process

Ajit Pawar's death earlier this year left the future of the two NCP factions uncertain. Before his death, discussions had reportedly taken place about bringing the rival groups together under a common political arrangement.

Tatkare described himself as a close associate of Ajit Pawar and said he was aware of the proposed formula for reunification.

His latest remarks are significant because he had previously dismissed claims that merger discussions were underway. The change in his public position has prompted fresh questions about the extent of negotiations between the two camps.

Praful Patel's Meeting With Sharad Pawar Fuels Speculation

The merger discussion gained further attention after NCP national working president Praful Patel met NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

A video of the meeting circulated on social media, showing the two leaders discussing a possible meeting after November 10. The interaction has added to speculation that senior leaders from both factions may be considering renewed discussions.

However, Tatkare clarified that no formal meeting with NCP (SP) leaders had been scheduled at the time of his remarks.

Internal Differences Within the NCP

The renewed merger debate is unfolding amid reported differences within the ruling NCP leadership. Reports suggest that some senior leaders are unhappy with the growing influence of Parth Pawar, son of Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar.

There have also been reports of disagreement over the possibility of reunification. Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar are reportedly opposed to a merger, while some senior leaders are said to favour bringing the two factions together.

These internal differences have added another dimension to the political developments surrounding the NCP.

NCP (SP) Leaders Respond to Tatkare's Statement

NCP (SP) leaders have also referred to the earlier merger discussions. Party leader Shashikant Shinde supported Tatkare's account, saying discussions had taken place when Ajit Pawar was alive.

Shinde suggested that a united NCP could have strengthened the party's position in Maharashtra politics and potentially affected the outcome of recent local and legislative elections.

At the same time, the NCP (SP) leadership has indicated that there are currently no confirmed merger discussions underway.

Devendra Fadnavis Comments on Possible NCP Reunion

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also commented on the renewed speculation surrounding the two NCP factions.

He said the two groups are independent political parties and are free to make their own decisions. However, he indicated that any decision should be taken after consulting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), given the political alliance arrangements in Maharashtra.

His remarks underline the importance of the merger question for the state's ruling coalition.

Will the Two NCP Factions Reunite?

Sunil Tatkare's statement has revived a debate that had remained uncertain since Ajit Pawar's death. The proposed February 12 deadline, the meeting between Praful Patel and Sharad Pawar, and reported differences within the NCP have brought the possibility of reunification back into focus.

However, there is no confirmed merger agreement or announced timetable for bringing the two factions together. Any future decision will depend on discussions among the respective leaderships and the political considerations of both parties.

For now, the NCP merger remains a matter of political speculation rather than a formally announced development.

Editorial Note: The February 12 merger date and details of the proposed arrangement are based on Sunil Tatkare's account. The two factions have not announced a formal merger agreement. Reported internal disagreements and possible future meetings should be treated as developing political information.