Praful Patel’s Meeting with Sharad Pawar Revives Merger Speculation; Questions Grow Over Sunetra Pawar’s Leadership and Parth Pawar’s Role
Is the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) moving towards reunification with Sharad Pawar’s faction, or are senior leaders within Ajit Pawar’s party seeking a greater say in its leadership and decision-making?
A series of political developments in Maharashtra has brought the future of the NCP into sharp focus. A meeting between senior NCP leader Praful Patel and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, along with reports of differences within the ruling faction, has revived speculation about a possible merger.
Sharad Pawar–Praful Patel Meeting Fuels Merger Speculation
During his visit to the hospital on November 5, Patel was seen interacting with Sharad Pawar. In a video of their conversation, Pawar suggested that they could sit together after November 10. Patel responded that he would be in Mumbai after that date and was ready to meet whenever Pawar decided.
Patel subsequently maintained that his visit was primarily to enquire about Sharad Pawar’s health. He also indicated that their conversation covered national and state politics rather than internal party matters.
However, the exchange has renewed political speculation about the possibility of bringing the two NCP factions together. <Cite refs={[“turn210107search0″,”turn210107search1”]}/>
Sunil Tatkare’s Remarks Add to Merger Debate
The merger question gained further momentum after Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare said that the two factions would have formally reunited on February 12 had Ajit Pawar been alive.
Tatkare indicated that Ajit Pawar had discussed the merger process and how it would be finalised. His remarks have brought renewed attention to the possibility of reunification.
However, the NCP leadership had earlier maintained that there was no proposal for a merger and reaffirmed its support for Sunetra Pawar’s leadership.
Rohit Pawar Claims Merger Was Certain
NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar has claimed that the merger was certain and that Ajit Pawar wanted the Pawar family and the two political factions to remain united.
He also questioned the changing statements made by Tatkare, pointing out that the latter had previously denied that merger discussions had taken place.
Rohit Pawar suggested that political considerations could be behind the differing statements.
Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh also questioned Tatkare’s position, claiming that discussions about reunification had taken place at meetings in Baramati and at the residence of senior leader Jayant Patil.
Deshmukh questioned whether political pressure was influencing the statements of some NCP leaders.
These remain claims by opposition leaders and have not been independently established.
Six Senior Leaders Meet Amit Shah Without Sunetra Pawar
Adding another dimension to the political developments, six senior NCP leaders reportedly met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on November 2.
The delegation included:
- Praful Patel
- Sunil Tatkare
- Chhagan Bhujbal
- Hasan Mushrif
- Dilip Walse Patil
- Dhananjay Munde
The absence of Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth Pawar from the delegation attracted political attention.
Reports suggested that discussions included collective leadership, internal consultation and concerns over Parth Pawar’s growing influence in the party.
However, the NCP rejected reports of an internal leadership crisis, describing the meeting as pre-planned and reiterating that the party would function collectively under Sunetra Pawar’s leadership. <Cite refs={[“turn210107search4″,”turn210107search5″,”turn210107search7”]}/>
Modi’s Phone Call to Sharad Pawar Adds to Political Discussion
Political speculation also intensified following reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had telephoned Sharad Pawar after his hospitalisation.
Sharad Pawar’s associate Vitthal Maniyar claimed that Modi had conveyed a message of support, saying that Supriya Sule and he would take care of the country while Pawar should focus on his health.
The account has generated further political discussion, although it does not establish any political understanding or agreement between the leaders.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also visited Sharad Pawar at the hospital, describing his visit as personal and focused on enquiring about his health.
What Lies Ahead for the NCP?
With a proposed conversation between Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel after November 10, fresh merger speculation and questions over internal leadership, the NCP faces an important phase in its political journey.
The central questions remain whether the two factions will reunite, what role senior leaders such as Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare will play, and how Sunetra Pawar will consolidate her leadership following Ajit Pawar’s death.
For now, neither a formal merger agreement nor a confirmed leadership change has been announced. The developments over the coming days could provide greater clarity about the party’s political direction and its future relationship with the ruling Mahayuti alliance.