Old Wine In New Bottle Creates Ripples In NCP

The political scene in Maharashtra is presently dominated by several predictions from different sides about the merger of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). While the original party’s founder Sharad Pawar is resting at his Mumbai residence, leaders from both factions have been calling on him. However, none is able to say what Pawar exactly wishes. His daughter has declared that the issue has ended for her the moment her cousin and the splinter group leader Ajit Pawar, deputy CM died in a plane crash in February this year. On the other hand, the NCP (Ajit) state president Sunil Tatkare has called on Pawar after a prolonged meeting with deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar. But Tatkare, too, is unable to say anything concrete. Sunetra has quipped that things will be clear as and when they take a definite shape. The main issue is whether to go along with the BJP or merge with the other faction. An influential section of the NCP (Ajit) is in favour of continuing with the NDA while several MLAs loyal to Sharad Pawar are in two minds, it is said. Meanwhile, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has added to the suspense by declaring that no merger of the two NCP factions will be possible unless the BJP was consulted first. Repeated closed-door meetings with Union home minister Amit Shah by both NCP functionaries have added to the anxiety of many.