‘Ajit dada was to lead unified NCP from Feb 12’

Mumbai: Just as the dust seemed to be settling on the failed attempts to merge the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a fresh controversy has erupted, reigniting the political drama. In a startling revelation, NCP (SP) State President Shashikant Shinde has claimed that a secret deal had already been finalized to hand over the entire command of a unified party to the late Ajit Pawar—an announcement that was reportedly scheduled for February 12.

Shinde’s comments have added a sensational twist to the post-tragedy narrative, painting the late Deputy Chief Minister not as a rebel, but as a leader who was on the verge of a "homecoming" before tragedy struck.

In commemorative editorial of a party magazine, Shashikant Shinde sought to rewrite the history of the split that fractured the Pawar family. He alleged that Ajit Pawar’s exit from the original NCP was never voluntary but was forced by threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers"—a veiled reference to the BJP’s central leadership.

Shinde further claimed that discussions for a merger were in advanced stages. In fact, a final decision had been reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders. It was agreed that once the factions merged, the entire command of the unified NCP would be handed over to Ajit Pawar. The formal announcement was to be made on February 12.

Shinde’s narrative attempts to position the NCP (SP) as the true custodian of Ajit Pawar’s legacy, suggesting that the late leader was ready to return to his uncle’s fold to lead the party into the future, had fate not intervened.

Tatkare’s Rebuttal

The claims were swiftly dismissed by the rival camp. NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) State President Sunil Tatkare rubbished Shinde’s version of events, categorizing them as emotional manipulation devoid of facts.

"There is no point in discussing imaginary scenarios," Tatkare said. "We are a part of the Mahayuti government, and our path was chosen by Ajit Dada himself."

However, Tatkare stopped short of a complete shut-door policy, adding a caveat that keeps the political grapevine buzzing. "If they are so serious about a merger, let them stop making statements to the media. The issue of merger can be discussed only if a proposal comes in writing from those advocating it," he asserted.

Political analysts view Shashikant Shinde’s "February 12" claim as a strategic move by the Sharad Pawar faction to absolve Ajit Pawar by blaming "invisible powers" for the split. In doing so, they are trying to reclaim Ajit Pawar’s image from the BJP-aligned faction. Also, by suggesting that Ajit Pawar was ready to leave the NDA and return to Sharad Pawar, they aim to sow confusion among the MLAs currently supporting Sunetra Pawar.

As the "merger" moves from backroom talks to public spats, the war of words proves that while the possibility of unity may be bleak, the battle for the NCP’s soul is far from over.