Baramati: MNCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar sharply rebuked Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, asserting he had “no right” to comment on internal Nationalist Congress Party merger discussions. Speaking in Baramati amid mourning for nephew Ajit Pawar, who died in a January 28 plane crash, Pawar clarified talks were solely between Ajit Pawar and NCP (SP)’s Jayant Patil — excluding Fadnavis entirely.
Following the split in 2023, the rival NCP factions — Sharad’s and Ajit’s — were engaged in reunification efforts. NCP (SP) leaders claimed Ajit finalized February 12 for the announcement, prioritizing party unity. Fadnavis dismissed this on February 1, insisting Ajit, a Mahayuti ally as deputy CM, would have consulted BJP beforehand, calling rumours “confusion” amplified by rivals.
“I do not understand what right he has to mention my name,” Pawar retorted, emphasizing current focus on grief support over politics: “We are not talking to anyone.” He also noted no discussions involved Fadnavis, who wasn’t “involved” despite Ajit’s government role. Reports said Pawar expressed satisfaction over Ajit’s wife Sunetra’s swift deputy CM elevation but denied prior consultation.
This spat highlights fragile Maharashtra alliances ahead of polls. Analysts see it as post-Ajit maneuvering, with NCP (SP) leveraging legacy while BJP consolidates power.
