‘Who wants Sunetra’s chair’, Tatkare slams merger push

Mumbai: The simmering tension between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) boiled over on Thursday, as NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) State President Sunil Tatkare launched a scathing counter-attack against the Sharad Pawar-led faction. Though he didn’t directly dismissed the growing speculations and pressure regarding "merger" of the two groups, Tatkare questioned the timing and intent behind these overtures, hinting at a power grab disguised as unity.

In a fiery interview with a Marathi news channel, Tatkare made it clear that the faction, now rallying behind newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, is in no mood to budge or surrender its independent identity.

"Merger for Unity or for Power?"

The controversy stems from recent aggressive posturing by the Sharad Pawar faction (NCP-SP), which has reportedly been floating the idea of a merger to "unite the family and party" following the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar. However, Tatkare sees a sinister design in this narrative.

“Why has the issue of a merger suddenly become the focal point? Hat is it being raked up repeatedly?” Tatkare asked during the interview and went further, posing a direct and uncomfortable question to the rival camp: “I want to ask those propagating this merger — is it because someone else wants to become the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra instead of Sunetra Pawar?”

Tatkare’s comments are seen as a veiled reference to aspirants within the NCP (SP) who might be eyeing the Deputy CM post should a merger reshuffle the political equations in the state.

The Swearing-In Controversy

The verbal duel comes against the backdrop of Sharad Pawar’s recent comments that added fuel to the fire. The patriarch had publicly stated that he was "not aware" of Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in ceremony until it happened, distancing himself from the decision made by the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. Another NCP(SP) leader, while stressing Ajit Pawar’s willingness in favour of the merger, had said that he would announce the details of various meetings held with Ajit Pawar discussing details of merger.

While retorting to the claim, Tatkare said that he and his other party colleagues should reply to it once the details are announced by the leader.

He also made it clear that the NCP choosing its leader after the death of Ajit Pawar and consequently Sunetra Pawar taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister is completely unrelated to the issue of merger of the two party factions.

When asked whether he is in favor of merger, Tatkare declined to comment. “I shall not answer to such hypothetical questions. Certainly not when the NCP is reorganizing itself under the leadership of Sunetra Pawar with a certain political focus,” Tatkare said and added, “whenever such an issue comes before us in future the party should collectively decide on it.”

The interview was also an attempt by Tatkare to quell unrest within his own ranks. With the passing of Ajit Pawar, questions were raised about the leadership capabilities of Praful Patel, Tatkare, and others, and whether they would return to the senior Pawar’s fold.

Political Implications

Tatkare’s outburst has drawn a clear battle line. While Sharad Pawar’s strategy appears to be one of emotional consolidation—using the tragedy to bring the flock back home—the Ajit Pawar faction is countering with political pragmatism. By framing the merger as a ploy to unseat a female Deputy CM, Tatkare has added a complex layer to the narrative, making it difficult for the opposition to push the "unity" agenda without looking like power-hungry opportunists.

As the state gears up for the budget session, the possibility of a truce seems remote. The "Merger" has now officially turned into a standoff.