Sule’s remarks come a day after Maharashtra NCP president and MP Sunil Tatkare rejected claims over merger talk. Screengrab: ANI
'Merger talks ended with Ajit Pawar's death': Supriya Sule rules out NCP reunion
Speculation over a reunion had intensified after Praful Patel met Sharad Pawar. Tatkare said the meeting was a courtesy visit
Supriya Sule has ruled out further talks on bringing the two Nationalist Congress Party factions together, saying the effort ended with the death of her brother, former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) working president made the remarks on Saturday (November 14) amid speculation about a political reunion.
"The merger (of both factions of the party) was discussed until my brother (Ajit Pawar) was alive. The day he left us; it put a full stop to those discussions,” she said as quoted by ANI.
Ajit Pawar died on January 28 after the aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district.
What the two factions have said
Sule’s remarks come a day after Maharashtra NCP president and MP Sunil Tatkare rejected claims over merger talk on Friday (November 13). Speaking to ANI, he said, “There is absolutely no discussion regarding a merger in our party at any level.”
Speculation had gathered pace after NCP leader Praful Patel met Sharad Pawar. Tatkare described the visit as a non-political gesture, saying Patel had gone to enquire about the health of the 86-year-old leader.
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“Pawar Sahab has contributed to national politics for 60 years. At 86, his health hasn't been well. We have all reached various political positions with his blessings. Praful Bhai simply went to check on his health,” he said.
Tatkare reaffirmed his faction's place in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.
“We joined the NDA after deep consideration under the leadership of Narendra Modi. We are in the NDA and will remain in the NDA."
Tatkare rejects talk of defections
Responding to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's claim that 20 to 22 MLAs were ready to switch sides, Tatkare said, “After the assembly elections, his mental health has deteriorated. Mentally, he is not fit. These statements are completely baseless.”
Also Read: 20-22 Sunetra Pawar-led NCP MLAs may break away, claims Sanjay Raut
He further stated that his faction would remain with the NDA under Sunetra Pawar's leadership and that the "question of a merger does not even arise."
He said there was "no confusion" in his remarks. Tatkare also said Ajit Pawar had spoken to him in detail about a merger on February 12 and had outlined a formula for the party after a merger.