Sharad Pawar Discusses NCP Merger Talks Amid Personal Loss
Sharad Pawar Addresses NCP Merger Discussions
On Wednesday, Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), clarified that discussions regarding a potential merger between the two factions of the NCP took place between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil, rather than with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. During a press conference in Baramati, Pawar expressed his happiness over Sunetra Pawar taking the oath as Deputy Chief Minister, stating, "I am pleased that Sunetra Pawar has taken the oath as Deputy Chief Minister... The discussions about the merger were held between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil, and Chief Minister Fadnavis was not involved in these talks."
Focus on Family and Current Issues
Pawar questioned the authority of others to comment on the situation, emphasizing that their current focus is on caring for those in mourning and moving forward together. He noted that there has been no discussion regarding any political decisions at this time.
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, tragically passed away in a plane crash while attempting to land at Pune's Baramati Airport on January 28. Following his death, Sunetra Pawar, the widow of the late Deputy Chief Minister, assumed the responsibilities of the Chief Minister.
Additionally, Pawar mentioned that due to this family tragedy, he was unable to attend the budget session in Parliament for the first time in 58 years. He expressed concern that the central budget could create difficulties for the general public. Central Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the 2026-27 budget in the Lok Sabha on February 1, marking her ninth consecutive budget presentation. Pawar reflected, "Whether in the Maharashtra Assembly or the Lok Sabha, I have been a member for the past 58 years. I have never missed a budget day in all those years. Unfortunately, due to a family incident, I could not be present this time. However, from what I have read, I see two or three issues arising. A new type of tax has been introduced, which may cause trouble for the common people. There was an expectation for solid measures to accelerate development projects with this budget."