<p>Maharashtra NCP Chief <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/bmc-elections-2026-ncp-prioritises-mahayuti-unity-ahead-of-civic-polls-says-sunil-tatkare-23608356" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Sunil Tatkare</a> has said that while he does not personally oppose a merger between the Ajit Pawar faction with NCP-SP, any such decision would be made collectively by the party leadership, reported news agency IANS.</p>
<h2>NDA decision defended as long-term strategic move</h2>
<p>He spoke at length on the merger between the two factions and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP's strategic shift since joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).</p>
<h2>&lsquo;We remain firm with NDA despite criticism&rsquo;</h2>
<p>Tatkare defended the decision to join the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/nda-mps-arrive-for-pm-modi-s-special-dinner-to-boost-coordination-during-winter-session-23607331" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">NDA</a>, noting that the move had been under internal discussion for years.</p>
<p>"We faced criticism for this role and continue to do so, but we remain firm in our decision to stay with the NDA," he said, reported IANS.</p>
<h2>Cautious response on Sharad Pawar joining NDA</h2>
<p>When asked if veteran leader Sharad Pawar should join the NDA, Tatkare remained guarded.</p>
<p>"I am not a big enough leader to advise <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/pune-land-deal-row-sharad-pawar-supports-probe-as-wadettiwar-attacks-sarnaik-rane-hits-out-at-ajit-pawar-23602263" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Sharad Pawar</a> on such matters; I know my limitations," he remarked, reported IANS.</p>
<h2>Merger talks currently limited to select regions</h2>
<p>Addressing Ajit Pawar's recent comments regarding a potential merger, Tatkare clarified that the sentiment is currently localised, particularly in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.</p>
<p>He said that while Ajit Pawar has the authority to express views as NCP President, the matter has not formally reached the state leadership.</p>
<h2>Swipe at Sanjay Shirsat over NDA remark</h2>
<p>Tatkare also criticised Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat for suggesting Sharad Pawar might join the NDA, calling the statement unauthorised.</p>
<p>In a related development, Deputy CM <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/cms-word-is-final-ajit-pawar-on-bjp-ncp-contest-in-pune-civic-polls-23607937" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Ajit Pawar</a> said election commitments have delayed any serious consideration of a merger but acknowledged worker-level satisfaction with cooperation.</p>
<h2>&lsquo;No permanent friends or enemies in politics&rsquo;</h2>
<p>Ajit Pawar reiterated that political alignments are fluid, leaving room for future decisions, reported IANS.</p>
<p>Ajit Pawar&rsquo;s remarks reignited debate over a possible reunion with Sharad Pawar, especially after the Thackeray brothers&rsquo; reconciliation ahead of civic polls.</p>
<h2>Local alliance fuels reunion buzz in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad</h2>
<p>Political interest has intensified as both NCP factions have announced a local-level alliance for ongoing municipal elections.</p>
<p>Analysts believe a reunion could significantly alter <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-commercial-vehicle-fitness-certification-comes-to-a-halt-across-the-state-after-morth-directive-23611191" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Maharashtra&rsquo;s</a> political equations by consolidating the Maratha vote bank.</p>
<p><strong>(With inputs from IANS)</strong></p>

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