Fresh political speculation around the future of the Nationalist Congress Party has been addressed by Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare, who on Saturday rejected reports claiming that a formal merger between the two rival Pawar factions was already decided.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Tatkare clarified that the much-discussed January 17 interaction between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar was being misrepresented. He explained that the meeting was informal and focused only on possible cooperation for upcoming local body elections in the state, not an immediate party unification.

Tatkare said the video circulating on social media showed a casual interaction that took place after an agricultural exhibition in Baramati. “Ajit Pawar himself had openly told the media that discussions were about working together in municipal polls, not about dissolving or merging parties,” he said.

However, the political narrative shifted after Ajit Pawar’s sudden death in a tragic plane crash near Baramati. Since then, renewed discussions about reuniting the divided NCP factions have gained momentum. Sharad Pawar recently revealed that Ajit Pawar had personally expressed a desire to bring both sides back together.

According to Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar believed a merger was in the long-term interest of the party and had even suggested a date for a formal announcement. “Ajit had indicated February 12 for the decision. Unfortunately, fate had other plans,” Sharad Pawar said, referring to the accident that claimed Ajit Pawar’s life.

Ajit Pawar’s political journey took a dramatic turn in 2023 when he broke away from the NCP along with several senior leaders and joined the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. The split reshaped Maharashtra politics, though both factions later attempted coordination during municipal elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. That experiment, however, failed to dent the BJP’s dominance.

Meanwhile, major changes are unfolding within the NCP following Ajit Pawar’s demise. Sunetra Pawar stepped down from her Rajya Sabha seat after being chosen as the party’s legislative leader in Maharashtra. She has since taken oath as Deputy Chief Minister and is expected to handle key departments that were earlier under Ajit Pawar’s control.