Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sunetra Pawar has declined to provide a clear answer on the possibility of a merger between the two NCP factions. Responding to questions from reporters in Baramati on November 11, she said that the details would become known at the appropriate time.
Her comments have renewed attention on the possibility of reunification between the faction led by Sunetra Pawar and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), commonly known as NCP (SP). However, she did not confirm that a merger decision had been taken or announce any timeline for further discussions.
The remarks came during a press conference organised to announce programmes marking the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda. When reporters raised questions about the political developments, Sunetra Pawar acknowledged their interest in the merger issue but indicated that the press conference was focused on a different subject. She said that the matter would become clear when the time came.
Recent Meetings Have Increased Merger Speculation
Speculation about a possible reunion of the two NCP factions gained momentum following a series of meetings involving leaders from both sides.
Several leaders associated with the Sunetra Pawar-led NCP, including senior leader Praful Patel and Rajya Sabha member Parth Pawar, recently met Sharad Pawar. Sharad Pawar, who leads the NCP (SP), had also been hospitalised recently due to a chest infection.
These meetings attracted political attention because of the possibility that discussions about bringing the two factions together could resume. A video circulating on social media reportedly showed Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel discussing a possible meeting after November 10. However, the meetings alone do not establish that a formal merger agreement has been reached.
Parth Pawar also met Sharad Pawar on consecutive days at the latter's Mumbai residence, according to reports. Other NCP (SP) leaders were also involved in discussions with the senior leader. The developments have added to speculation about the future political relationship between the two groups.
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Sunil Tatkare's Earlier Statement Adds to the Discussion
NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare had also spoken about the possibility of a merger. He reportedly said that discussions between the two factions had taken place and that the merger would have been completed in February 2026 if former Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar had been alive.
Ajit Pawar died in an air crash on January 28, 2026. Following his death, Sunetra Pawar took over as the NCP president and later became Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister.
Tatkare's remarks brought renewed attention to the possibility of reunification, particularly because Ajit Pawar had led one of the two NCP factions. However, the political situation changed following his death, and the future of any merger discussion remains uncertain.
Sunetra Pawar's latest response does not confirm whether negotiations are currently taking place or whether the leadership of both factions has agreed on a common plan. Until an official announcement is made by the parties concerned, the merger remains a matter of political speculation.
Devendra Fadnavis Says Pawar Leaders Must Clarify the Merger Decision
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also commented on the merger speculation. According to reports, he said that Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar, who lead the two factions, would be the appropriate people to clarify whether their parties intended to reunite.
Fadnavis reportedly indicated that the ruling alliance had not received a formal communication about a merger decision. His remarks underline the political significance of the issue because the Sunetra Pawar-led NCP is part of the Mahayuti government, which also includes the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
A merger could have implications for the party's leadership structure and its position within Maharashtra's political alliances. Nevertheless, no confirmed agreement or official merger announcement has emerged from the developments reported so far.
Maharashtra Announces Programmes for Bhagwan Birsa Munda's Birth Anniversary
Apart from the political questions, Sunetra Pawar announced a series of public programmes to mark the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on November 15. The Maharashtra government will observe the occasion as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and organise a service week from November 11 to 18.
The programmes are intended to recognise Birsa Munda's contribution to the freedom movement and highlight the history, culture and welfare needs of tribal communities. Birsa Munda was a prominent tribal leader who led the Ulgulan movement against British colonial rule and worked to protect tribal rights over land and traditional resources.
There is an important date correction in some reports: Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, making 2026 his 151st birth anniversary, not his 191st. The Government of India observes November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in his memory.
Programmes Planned in Pune and Beed Districts
Sunetra Pawar said that several activities would be organised in Pune district through the Integrated Tribal Development Project office at Ghodegaon. The planned events include the distribution of cheques to beneficiaries of government welfare schemes, cleanliness drives at memorial sites, cultural programmes, tribal gatherings and a festival showcasing traditional wild vegetables.
Health, nutrition and public awareness camps will also form part of the activities. These programmes are intended to bring information about government initiatives and welfare services closer to tribal communities.
Sunetra Pawar also holds responsibility as the guardian minister of Beed district. She said that a similar service week would be organised there between November 11 and 18. The activities in Beed will include health camps, cleanliness initiatives and awareness programmes.
Special celebrations are also planned at Kuppa and Khalwat Nimgaon in the Wadwani taluka of Beed district on November 15. The events are expected to highlight Birsa Munda's contribution and encourage public participation in activities connected with tribal welfare.
NCP Merger Decision Remains Unclear
Sunetra Pawar's statement has not ended speculation about the future of the two NCP factions. Recent meetings between party leaders, earlier comments by Sunil Tatkare and the response from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have kept the issue in the political spotlight.
However, the deputy chief minister has not confirmed a merger, and no official timetable has been announced. The next steps will depend on decisions and discussions involving the leadership of both factions.
For now, Sunetra Pawar has indicated that the public will learn more when the appropriate time arrives. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government is preparing statewide programmes for Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and the service week dedicated to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
