NCP merger talks stalled after Ajit Pawar's demise, future talks impossible: Jayant Patil

Jayant Patil. File Pic

Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil on Wednesday said efforts to reunite the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have come to a complete standstill following the death of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, reported news agency IANS.

Speaking to reporters, Patil revealed that discussions aimed at merging the Ajit Pawar faction with the Sharad Pawar-led group had been underway for the past four months and were close to reaching a final stage before the tragedy, reported IANS.

He described Ajit Pawar as the main driving force behind the proposed reunification.

Secret Meetings Held for Months

According to Patil, several confidential meetings had taken place between leaders of both factions, including multiple discussions at his residence.

He said Ajit Pawar was keen to see the party reunite while Sharad Pawar remained in good health.

The two sides had reportedly agreed on a roadmap for the merger, and a formal announcement was initially planned for February 12 following the Zilla Parishad elections.

Power-Sharing Formula Was Being Finalised

Sources within both factions indicated that the proposed merger included a significant power-sharing arrangement, reported IANS.

Under the plan, Sharad Pawar was reportedly ready to hand over operational control and the post of national president of a unified NCP to Ajit Pawar.

In return, key ministerial positions in the Maharashtra cabinet were expected to be allocated to leaders from the Sharad Pawar camp, including Jayant Patil, Rohit Pawar, and Shashikant Shinde.

A major meeting regarding the proposal had reportedly taken place on January 17 at Sharad Pawar's Govindbagh residence in Baramati.

Political Landscape Changes After Tragedy

The merger talks collapsed after Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28, 2026, when the Learjet 45 carrying him crashed while attempting to land in Baramati in poor visibility, killing five people on board.

Following the incident, Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government.

Meanwhile, NCP leader Sunil Tatkare reiterated that the party remains committed to the Mahayuti alliance and dismissed speculation about a merger at present.

Patil concluded that without Ajit Pawar's leadership and his influence within the party's legislative wing, the possibility of a reunification has effectively closed for the foreseeable future.

(With inputs from IANS)