Possibility Of Merger Of Two NCP Factions Revives Once Again

As veteran leader Sharad Pawar’s meeting with his one-time loyalist Praful Patel at his hospital room became viral within seconds, the old topic of possible merger of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has taken a new turn. While several NCP dissidents are distressed at the prospect of the reunion, there is a bevy of allegations and retorts. The main focus of the ire appears senior leader and NCP (Ajit) MP Sunil Tatkare. Some Ajit Pawar loyalists have come down heavily against Tatkare, charging that at every drop of a hat, he changes his earlier statements. More serious is the charge that Tatkare wanted to become the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra after Ajit’s untimely death earlier this year. Tatkare’s supporters have dismissed at such effort on his part. In fact, the flurry of allegations began after Tatkare disclosed that the merger of the two NCP factions was to take place in February this year, as directed by Ajit Pawar. However, the air crash that claimed Ajit’s life along with some others totally destroyed the time table. The rumours began flowing afresh after Sharad Pawar told Praful Patel that their next meeting will be after 10 November. As Pawar hinted, or as it is propagated, there could be discussions on the merger. The scenario is totally bewildering for workers of both NCP factions and the only choice for them is to wait and watch.