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NCP: The two rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party are expected to come back together, with a formal announcement likely in the second week of February, shortly after the conclusion of local body elections. Party sources indicated that groundwork for the reunion had already been laid, and discussions are now moving toward final arrangements.

Merger plans shaped by months of dialogue

Senior leaders familiar with the talks said that Ajit Pawar had played a central role in initiating the reconciliation process before his death. He reportedly held multiple meetings with party founder Sharad Pawar in December and January, during which the framework for a merger was discussed. The plan, according to insiders, was to publicly confirm the reunion through a joint press conference once the local elections were over.

Leadership meeting expected soon

Sources added that representatives from both camps are likely to meet next week to resolve outstanding issues and finalise the terms of the merger. While there is broad agreement on reunification, differences remain over the timing and structure of the announcement, which leaders are now attempting to address through internal consultations.

Differences over timing of reunion

Not all leaders are aligned on how quickly the merger should move forward. Some members from the faction led by Ajit Pawar have expressed reservations about an immediate reunion, arguing that the move could be seen as politically motivated at a sensitive moment. In contrast, leaders aligned with Sharad Pawar are said to be pushing for swift unification, believing that prolonged uncertainty could weaken the party’s organisational strength.

Sunetra Pawar seen as key figure

Within these discussions, Sunetra Pawar’s role has emerged as particularly significant. Sources described her as a stabilising presence capable of bridging internal divides. Her involvement is viewed as crucial not only for unifying the two groups but also for shaping the party’s leadership structure after the merger.

Debate over future party leadership

Alongside Sharad Pawar, three names are being discussed as potential leaders of the unified party: Sunetra Pawar, Supriya Sule, and Praful Patel. According to party insiders, there is growing support for appointing Sunetra Pawar, currently a Rajya Sabha member, as both party president and leader of the legislative wing. However, sources cautioned that procedural or political constraints could affect this plan. If such challenges arise, Praful Patel is considered a strong alternative to take on a leading role.

Background to the party split

The Nationalist Congress Party was formed in 1999 after Sharad Pawar broke away from the Congress. The party split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar led a rebellion and aligned his faction with the ruling Mahayuti coalition, subsequently joining the government. Several senior leaders who had long been associated with Sharad Pawar, including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Dilip Walse-Patil, also moved to Ajit Pawar’s camp at that time.

Details of the fatal crash

Ajit Pawar and four others were killed on Wednesday when their aircraft crashed near Baramati airport in Pune district. Officials said the plane went down roughly 100 metres from the edge of a tabletop runway during a second landing attempt in poor visibility. The aircraft caught fire following the impact. Those who died included two pilots, Sumit Kapur and Sambhavi Pathak, Pawar’s personal security officer Vidip Jadhav, and a flight attendant, Pinky Mali.

Leaders recall Pawar’s final efforts

Several party leaders have spoken publicly about Ajit Pawar’s last push for unity. NCP leader Ankush Kakade said Pawar had hoped to complete the merger last month as a birthday gift for his uncle on December 12, though the plan did not materialise then. Senior leader Jayant Patil also confirmed that Pawar had convened high-level meetings on January 16 and 17 to advance reunion talks, underlining his commitment to bringing the party back together.