Explained : Maharashtra Politics: Will NCP-NCPSP merge after Ajit Pawar’s demise? Inside details of Feb 8 reunion plan | India News and Its Impact

Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise has left a void in Maharashtra politics and the Nationalist Congress Party as well. After the 2023 split, NCP led by Ajit Pawar and NCP-Sharad pawar, have been in constant talks for reunion. The recent Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra brought the two factions together and if reports are to be believed, the two leaders – Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar – were likely to announce the merger on February 8. Ajit Pawar had earlier hinted at the reunification, saying that some people are having pain if the two parties are coming together. 

According to an Indian Express report, the merger talks were at an advanced stage and the announcement was to follow the zilla parishad election results. However, Ajit Pawar’s demise has left the deal in uncertainty with no immediate timeline for the announcement being confirmed. 

The report indicated that a reunification of the two Nationalist Congress Party factions could pave the way for the Sharad Pawar–led NCP to enter the government. At present, the Ajit Pawar–led faction is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) remains within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alongside the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress.

The Maharashtra deputy chief minister emerged as a crucial intermediary between the two groups, playing a central role in restoring dialogue with the Sharad Pawar–led faction and steering the negotiations.

Leaders from the NCP (SP), including senior MLA Jayant Patil and party president Shashikant Shinde, acknowledged that talks had reached an advanced stage. According to sources, discussions had progressed to the point where potential Cabinet reshuffles and the induction of new members were being informally deliberated as part of a broader understanding.

As part of efforts to build mutual confidence, the two sides had also explored the possibility of jointly contesting the upcoming zilla parishad elections. Sources indicated that this was seen as a trial run, with the formal announcement of a merger likely to follow the election results. February 8 was being considered as a tentative date for making the move public.

While Ajit Pawar’s wife is a member of the Rajya Sabha, speculations are rife that she can be made Deputy CM in place of her husband in the Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra. It’s also being speculated that Praful Patel may be made interim president of the NCP for the timebeing.