Merger mirage fades

Mumbai: The brief window for a "Pawar Family Reunion" appears to have slammed shut. Any lingering hopes of merging the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) following the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar have effectively evaporated in the last 24 hours. The emotional overtures of the past week have been replaced by a bitter political trench war, fueled by explosive allegations from Rohit Pawar, aggressive maneuvering in Parliament, and a decisive "stamp of approval" from New Delhi for Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.

The most damaging blow to the reconciliation efforts came not from the BJP, but from within the Sharad Pawar camp itself. Senior NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar has started raising doubts over the "accidental" nature of Ajit Pawar’s death. Rohit Pawar has been alluding to "unanswered questions" surrounding the plane crash. This narrative has infuriated the leadership of the Ajit Pawar faction, who view it as a politicization of a family tragedy and an indirect attack on the state’s security apparatus.

Sensing the volatility of his stance, Rohit Pawar abruptly postponed a scheduled press conference in Mumbai where he was expected to clarify the party’s position on the merger. "The postponement wasn't just logistical; it was strategic," says a political analyst. "By raising doubts about the accident, Rohit has burned the bridge. You cannot merge with a faction while implying they—or their allies—are covering up the truth about your uncle's death."

Simultaneously, the battle lines have hardened in New Delhi. In a move that signals zero intent of truce with the ruling NDA, at least three Members of Parliament from the NCP (SP) have signed a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

This parliamentary aggression has effectively killed the merger from the BJP’s perspective. "The BJP was already wary of Sharad Pawar’s influence returning to their coalition," notes a senior NDA strategist. "Now, with NCP (SP) MPs actively trying to destabilize the Lok Sabha Speaker, the BJP will never allow the state unit to merge. They cannot have an ally in Maharashtra whose parent faction is waging war against them in Delhi."

While the opposition faction engaged in confrontation, the ruling faction solidified its legitimacy. Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar undertook her first-ever "political" tour of the capital, holding high-profile meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

The visuals of these meetings serve a dual purpose. It signals that the central leadership recognizes Sunetra Pawar not just as a grieving widow, but as the de facto leader of the NCP and a key NDA partner. Also, by hosting her, the BJP top brass has sent a message to the state units that the alliance with the Ajit Pawar faction stands firm, independent of the Sharad Pawar family drama.

Emerging from these meetings, NCP State President Sunil Tatkare delivered the final rebuff to the merger proponents. Addressing the media, Tatkare issued a stern "advice" to leaders from "other" parties—a clear reference to Sharad and Rohit Pawar—to stop interfering in the internal affairs of his party.

"We are capable of making the right decisions on our own," Tatkare asserted, effectively declaring that the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) is an independent entity that does not require guidance or "mergers" from Baramati to survive.

The events of the last two days have clarified the political landscape. The NCP (SP) has chosen the path of aggressive opposition, using conspiracy theories and parliamentary procedure to attack the ruling coalition. In response, the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has sought and received the protection of the BJP's central command. The "Merger" is no longer a possibility; it is now a closed chapter in the history of the Pawar clan.