‘No final decision yet’: Bhujbal says NCP merger talks at preliminary stage | India News
NEW DELHI: Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday said there was no concrete decision on the proposed merger of the two NCP factions, with discussions still at a preliminary stage.The remarks came amid speculation about a possible merger between the NCP led by Sunetra Pawar and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).“Both NCP factions coming together is a wish shared by many of us, but the question is how it can happen and who should take the initiative,” Bhujbal said.“There is no final decision yet. It is only discussions. We don’t know what NCP (SP) wants,” he added.The veteran NCP leader said any decision on the merger would require consultations with the party leadership and its allies in the BJP-led NDA. Bhujbal said the two factions had different political alignments, with one part of the BJP-led NDA and the other associated with the opposition INDIA bloc. He added that reconciling the political expectations and interests of leaders from both sides would be complicated.“We (NCP) are in the government with them. We cannot take any step without consulting them. Their consent will have to be taken,” he said.“Everyone has their own expectations and their own perspective. How all this can be brought together is a complicated question,” he said.Asked if he would take the initiative, Bhujbal said the decision rested with the party leadership.“My party leaders, MLAs and district presidents will have to decide. I will express my opinion before them,” he said.He also recalled a meeting at an agricultural exhibition in Baramati, where Sharad Pawar and four-five of his associates had met Ajit Pawar in the presence of Supriya Sule.
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However, Bhujbal said Ajit Pawar’s death had altered the political situation.“If Ajit Dada had been there, he would certainly have taken everyone along and led them forward. But his sudden death has changed the entire situation,” he said.Sunetra Pawar, who became NCP president following her husband’s death, would eventually explain the developments to party members, Bhujbal said.“I am sure Sunetra tai will give everyone confidence and explain what is happening,” he added.Bhujbal also spoke about his relationship with Sharad Pawar, describing him as one of Maharashtra’s senior-most and most mature political leaders.“Sharad Pawar’s party is different and my party is different. But he is such a person that even if someone is his political enemy, he maintains relations and speaks to them. He does not bring politics into every matter,” he said.
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