Nationalist Congress Party SP president Sharad Pawar on Wednesday asserted that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has no authority to comment on the ongoing merger discussions between the two factions of the NCP. Pawar stated that Fadnavis was not part of the talks at any stage and therefore should refrain from making statements on the issue. His remarks come amid continued political speculation over the future course of the party following its split.
Clarifying the situation, Sharad Pawar said that the merger discussions were being handled internally by senior leaders from both sides. He named Jayant Patil and Ajit Pawar as the key leaders leading the negotiations. According to Pawar, these talks are focused on exploring possibilities of coordination and mutual support rather than being influenced by external political forces. He emphasized that decisions related to the party’s future would be taken collectively and independently.
Sharad Pawar’s comments were in response to recent statements made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the NCP merger talks. Pawar maintained that leaders who are not directly involved in the discussions should not interfere or attempt to shape the narrative. He said such remarks only add to confusion and unnecessary political speculation.
Speaking further, Pawar indicated that the immediate priority for both factions is to ensure political stability and cooperation where possible. He said that while discussions are ongoing, no final decision has been announced yet. According to him, the focus remains on understanding each other’s positions and working towards a solution that benefits party workers and supporters.
Sharad Pawar also spoke about recent political developments in Maharashtra and expressed happiness over the appointment of Sunetra Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. He described the development as a positive step and wished her success in her new role. He added that experienced leadership is important for effective governance, especially at a time when the state is facing several administrative and developmental challenges.
The NCP split last year significantly altered Maharashtra’s political landscape, with both factions staking claim to the party’s legacy and support base. Since then, discussions around reconciliation and possible merger have surfaced periodically, drawing attention from political leaders across parties. However, Sharad Pawar has consistently maintained that any decision regarding reunification will be taken after careful consideration and internal consultation.
Political observers believe that Pawar’s firm response signals an attempt to keep the merger talks insulated from outside influence. The coming weeks are expected to be crucial, as clarity over the future relationship between the two NCP factions could impact alliance dynamics in Maharashtra. Until then, Pawar’s message remains clear that merger discussions are an internal matter and external commentary has no role in the process.
