'Not aware of February 12': CM Fadnavis on Pawars' merger date

Adding a new dimension to the proposed merger between Ajit Pawar’s NCP and the Sharad Pawar-headed NCP (SP), Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that he was not aware of the February 12 unification date and and before taking a final call, the late NCP president and former deputy chief minister would have informed the BJP.

“We have no knowledge of any date,” Fadnavis told reporters in Mumbai.

“Ajit Dada was part of the government…the NCP is an independent party which is part of the Maha Yuti alliance…could he have taken such a decision without informing us…he was stable in the government,” said Fadnavis.

Besides, he reiterated that he shared excellent working and personal relations with Ajit Pawar. “In fact, the day before (the plane crash)…we were together (after the Cabinet meeting)…and chatted for more than an hour,” said Fadnavis.

Ajit Pawar (66) died in a plane crash on 28 January.

Three days later on 31 December, his wife Sunetra Pawar (62) was appointed the NCP legislature party leader and sworn in as the deputy chief minister.

Fadnavis’ statement came a day after Sharad Pawar’s claim that his nephew was in talks with his party for a merger, which was tentatively scheduled on February 12, however, with the death of Ajit Pawar, things seems to be on hold.

“If Ajit Dada was working on a merger, would he do so without taking the BJP into confidence? Was he preparing to quit the NDA where he was stable? He shared everything with me,” reiterated Fadnavis, who calls the shots for the BJP in Maharashtra.

However, Fadnavis added that NCP is an “independent party” and took Its own decisions and since it is the BJP ally it is expected that NCP will talk to the BJP before going ahead with any such decision.

When asked about keeping the finance and planning portfolios with himself, Fadnavis said he had spoken to NCP leaders and the decision was taken after mutual consultations and agreement.

Sunetra Pawar, who is part of the BJP-led Maha Yuti government which also comprises Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has been allocated the portfolios State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Affairs, Minorities Development and Aukaf.

“Budget is not just making a speech but requires a series of meetings necessary departmental wise. Such a big exercise was not possible for Sunetra Pawar immediately and it is wrong to expect from her . After the budget session, we will take a call,” he said.

Fadnavis also said he has decided not to campaign in the zilla parishad polls after Ajit Pawar death. If there are public meetings political comments are made and it has to be avoided in the present situation,” he said.

We are with the NDA, it is a stated position: Tatkare

NCP state unit president Sunil Tatkare distanced himself from the controversy over merger talks and wanted to know as to who started the discussions. “We have taken a decision to join the NDA and are part of the NDA. We will remain in the NDA,” he said, pointing out that in the NDA, the BJP is in a leadership position. “In the last six months whosoever has asked me this question, I have repeatedly said that we are part of the NDA,” he said. “Like UPA means Congress and allies, NDA means BJP and allies (of which NCP is a part),” he said, adding: “Ajit Dada has taken a decision in (June-July) 2023.” He said that a confusion is being created that the NCP leadership is against the merger. “I have been working with Ajit Dada for 30 years,” he said, adding: “We are with the NDA, this is the stated position…those who started the talks, you must ask them.”

Will talk after 13 day morning: Rohit Pawar

Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said: “After the death of Ajit Dada, everyone wanted Sunetra Kaki to become the deputy chief minister.” As far as the merger talks are concerned, he said: “We will not speak anything on this now…will speak after the 13 day morning, which is 9 February.” Rohit Pawar said that the family was not aware of Sunetra Pawar being made the deputy chief minister. "NCP is a separate party, it is their decision."