3 minutes of readingBombayFebruary 2, 2026 01:11 am
Amid the ongoing uncertainty over the merger between the two factions of the NCP, Lok Sabha MP and NCP state president Sunil Tatkare on Sunday said his party’s decision to remain in the BJP-led NDA is permanent and it is for others to decide their stand.
“We are with the NDA and the decision to remain with them is permanent. It is for others to decide whether they want to take a stand in line with our position,” Tatkare said without naming any party. The NCP leader’s statement is seen as a clear message to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP to decide whether it wants to join the BJP-led NDA and leave the opposition MVA, comprising the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT).
Tatkare spoke to the media on Sunday at the party’s state office during the ritual of ‘Asthi Kalash Pujan’ (in honor of the funeral urn).
Tatkare asked why discussions on the merger of NCP and NCP-SP were initiated even before the final rites of former deputy CM Ajit Pawar were completed. He said, “The NCP legislative party was built through the hard work of Dada. Under his leadership a collective decision was taken to join the NDA while remaining steadfast to our secular roots and the values of Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar. Maharashtra’s 12 crore people have backed this. We stand behind Dada’s careful decision to join the NDA.”
He praised the BJP’s leadership within the NDA and said, “The BJP has always been cooperative. They do not dictate our cabinet or internal decisions; instead, they treat us with cordiality and respect. I am a witness to this positive experience under the top leadership of the BJP.”
He also clarified that he has never talked about a merger. “I have walked as a trusted aide of Dada for 30 years. Whether as president under Pawar Saheb (Sharad Pawar) for four years or in other posts thereafter, I have discharged my duties loyally. As your worker and colleague, I have consistently aligned myself with your views.”
Tatkare’s comments come at a time when NCP-SP leaders have repeatedly said that the decision to merge the two parties was taken by Ajit Pawar. Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that the merger announcement would come on February 12.
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Earlier, Tatkare reported that Ajit Pawar’s ashes will be taken to all districts of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar’s son Parth was present at the ceremony. Upon entering Ajit Pawar’s cabin, Parth hugged the chair where he used to sit and cried uncontrollably, overcome with emotions.
Addressing voices critical of Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in as deputy chief minister four days after Ajit Pawar’s death, Tatkare said, “As per the Constitution given by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, everyone has freedom of expression and right to their opinion. However, she took oath to stabilize Maharashtra and the NCP family, and to realize Ajit Dada’s dream of a developed Maharashtra. There is nothing improper in it.”
