NCP legislators voice support for party's merger with NCP (SP)

Nearly two months after the death of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati fresh political developments have emerged within the Nationalist Congress Party NCP Two legislators from the party have openly supported the idea of a merger with the faction led by Sharad Pawar indicating renewed discussions around reunification reported news agency PTIGrowing calls for reunification within NCPThe possibility of a merger between the factions has resurfaced despite earlier denials Shortly after Ajit Pawarrsquos demise on January 28 leaders from the Sharad Pawarled faction had suggested that discussions regarding a merger were already underway At the time leaders from the Ajit Pawarled camp had rejected these claims reported PTIHowever recent statements suggest a shift in sentiment Sunil Shelke MLA from Maval and considered a close aide of Ajit Pawar said that the opportunity for unity has not passedldquoIf both factions come together and the party grows under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar it would benefit everyonerdquo Shelke stated reported PTISupport from party leadership at multiple levelsShelkersquos remarks were echoed by Anna Bansode deputy speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Bansode emphasized that there is a broader consensus within the partyldquoLeaders at both the state and district levels believe that uniting under Sunetra Pawarrsquos leadership would be a positive step for the partyrsquos futurerdquo he said reported PTIThese endorsements signal that discussions around a merger may be gaining traction at multiple levels within the organisationBanner controversy sparks internal discordThe statements come amid a controversy involving missing photographs of Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar at a party event in Raigad district The event attended by state NCP president Sunil Tatkare triggered criticism from rival faction leaders reported PTIThe programme held on March 27 in Indapur within the constituency of NCP minister Aditi Tatkare was organised to felicitate newly elected members of local bodies Notably banners at the venue displayed images of Sunil Tatkare Aditi Tatkare and her brother Aniket Tatkare but omitted photos of Ajit Pawar and Sunetra PawarLeaders from the Sharad Pawar faction criticised the omission calling it a reflection of internal divisionsAditi Tatkare expresses regret denies intentResponding to the controversy Aditi Tatkare clarified that the event was organised at the grassroots level by local workers and that the omission was not deliberate reported PTIldquoI express regret over the absence of photos of our late leader Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar Their place in our hearts remains unshakablerdquo she said urging observers not to question the loyalty of party workers based on a banner reported PTIAllegations and counterallegations deepen riftMeanwhile Rohit Pawar from the Sharad Pawar faction alleged that senior leaders such as Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel were attempting to sideline Sunetra Pawar and gain control over the partyThese allegations were strongly rejected by NCP leaders who dismissed them as baseless and advised Rohit Pawar to focus on his own party affairsAs internal tensions continue alongside growing calls for unity the future of the NCP and the possibility of a merger remain key developments to watch in Maharashtrarsquos political landscapeWith inputs from PTI