NCP merger buzz revives after Pawar-Patel video as Tatkare says February deal was on cards

MUMBAI: A viral video showing senior NCP leader Praful Patel meeting NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar at a hospital in Mumbai and discussing a possible meeting after November 10, coupled with a significant shift in ruling NCP's Maharashtra unit president Sunil Tatkare's stand on merger talks, has revived speculation about the reunification of the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions.

In a significant departure from his earlier categorical denial of merger discussions, Tatkare on Friday acknowledged that talks between the two NCP factions had indeed taken place during the lifetime of late Ajit Pawar. He went a step further, claiming that the merger would have been formalised on February 12 had Ajit Pawar been alive.

"Discussions about the merger definitely took place when Ajit Dada was alive. He had also outlined how the merger would happen. If Ajit Dada were here, the merger would have happened on February 12," Tatkare said, adding that he was aware of the discussions as he was a close associate of Ajit Pawar.

Tatkare also told reporters that Ajit Pawar had personally briefed him about the merger discussions and the manner in which they would be finalised.

Ajit Pawar, who was the state's Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president, died in a plane crash on January 28, 2026, in Baramati, his hometown in Pune district. Following his death, his wife Sunetra Pawar took over as NCP president and also became Deputy Chief Minister. The ruling NCP is currently headed by Sunetra Pawar, while the NCP (SP), which is part of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, is led by Sharad Pawar.

Tatkare's remarks assume significance as they come days after a meeting between NCP working president Praful Patel and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on Thursday evening. Sharad Pawar, 85, is undergoing treatment at the hospital for a chest infection.

A video of their interaction has gone viral, showing Sharad Pawar suggesting that the two could sit together after November 10 to discuss matters. Patel reportedly responded that he would be in Mumbai after November 10 and that they could meet and discuss the matter. Sharad Pawar agreed to the suggestion.

Although Patel maintained after the meeting that he had visited the veteran leader primarily to enquire about his health and that their personal relations remained cordial despite political differences, he acknowledged that their conversation covered national and state politics. He denied that the discussion concerned internal NCP matters.

The developments have added to speculation about a possible rapprochement between the two factions, which split in 2023.

The latest developments also come against the backdrop of a meeting between senior NCP leaders and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi earlier this week. The meeting took place in the absence of NCP president Sunetra Pawar and her sons Parth and Jay Pawar, triggering speculation about differences within the party leadership.

According to sources, the NCP delegation discussed the party's organisational future, the return of the finance portfolio previously held by Ajit Pawar, and the possibility of bringing the two NCP factions together.

Sources said senior leaders expressed concerns over the functioning of the party and the growing influence and interference of Parth Pawar. They reportedly conveyed their displeasure over what they described as the unilateral style of functioning of the young leader.

"Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, who were earlier reluctant to the merger, but with the autocratic style of Parth Pawar and the grim future of NCP, both are trying hard for the merger and have even initiated talks with BJP and Sharad Pawar as well. But Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar are now against the merger. Therefore, the final decision over the merger would be taken by the top leadership of the BJP," a source said, requesting anonymity.

According to sources, Ajit Pawar viewed a possible merger of the two NCP factions as part of a long-term political strategy, particularly keeping the 2029 elections and the party's future relevance in mind. The late leader was confident that the merger would eventually materialise with the consent of his uncle, Sharad Pawar, they said.

However, Sharad Pawar had struck a different note in September, telling party workers that the NCP (SP) would not merge with any outfit merely for the sake of power.

"We are not going anywhere. If you want, join us. We have decided to strengthen our organisation," he had said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Sharad Pawar to enquire about his health. Patel, commenting on the conversation, said the two leaders shared cordial and respectful relations and that Modi must have called to enquire about the veteran leader's health.

The Prime Minister also reportedly spoke about Supriya Sule's ability to shoulder national responsibilities, prompting further political discussion.

Besides Patel, several political leaders and prominent personalities, including industrialist Gautam Adani, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, have visited Sharad Pawar at the hospital to enquire about his health.

With Tatkare now publicly acknowledging the merger discussions, Patel's meeting with Sharad Pawar and the reported differences within the ruling NCP leadership, the possibility of reunification between the two factions has once again become a major talking point in Maharashtra politics. However, the final decision remains uncertain, particularly amid reported opposition to the merger from Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar.