Pune: NCP (SP) has called a meeting of its elected representatives and office-bearers in Mumbai on Feb 17 to decide the future course of action, after the merger plans of both factions hit a roadblock following the death of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, who is currently undergoing treatment at a Pune-based hospital, is expected to chair the meeting. The reunion issue will be at the centre of the discussion, senior party members said.
“As per the discussion held between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil, a formal announcement of the merger was to be done on Thursday. But after Ajit Pawar’s demise, uncertainty loomed over a possible reunification, due to which Sharad Pawar will address party workers to chalk out a plan,” a senior NCP (SP) functionary said.After Ajit Pawar’s death, NCP (SP) members, including Jayant Patil, Rohit Pawar and Shashikant Shinde, claimed that it was the late NCP chief’s wish to bring both the factions together. However, senior NCP members, including working president Praful Patel and state president Sunil Tatkare, denied having any such initiative from their party.Another senior NCP (SP) functionary told TOI: “Party workers got into the mindset for the merger after both camps came together for the civic polls in some places. Senior leadership too dropped hints in this direction. However, the talks suddenly stopped, which made several workers anxious about the future plans. Some of them are already exploring the opportunity to switch to parties in Mahayuti. Therefore, to address their concerns, such a meeting is important.”
