📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Politics
NCP Merger Stalled as Bhujbal Says Decision Hinges on Sunetra Pawar
✍️ Amar Ujala
🗓 15 Nov 2026, 10:43 AM
👁 26
Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said the outcome of the Nationalist Congress Party's proposed merger will be decided only after Sunetra Pawar makes her decision, keeping the merger in limbo.
Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal told reporters that the pending merger of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) remains uncertain until Sunetra Pawar announces her stance. Bhujbal emphasized that the party leadership cannot move forward without a clear decision from Pawar, who holds a pivotal position within the NCP's internal power structure.
The merger talks, which have been circulating in Maharashtra's political circles for weeks, aim to consolidate the NCP's factions ahead of upcoming state elections. However, internal disagreements have stalled progress, prompting senior leaders like Bhujbal to seek a definitive direction from Pawar.
While Bhujbal refrained from speculating on the timeline, he indicated that once Pawar's decision is known, the party will announce the next steps. Other senior leaders, including former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have also been monitoring the situation, but the final outcome rests on Pawar's choice.
The statement underscores the fragile balance of power within the NCP and highlights how individual leaders can influence broader coalition strategies in Maharashtra's volatile political landscape.
The merger talks, which have been circulating in Maharashtra's political circles for weeks, aim to consolidate the NCP's factions ahead of upcoming state elections. However, internal disagreements have stalled progress, prompting senior leaders like Bhujbal to seek a definitive direction from Pawar.
While Bhujbal refrained from speculating on the timeline, he indicated that once Pawar's decision is known, the party will announce the next steps. Other senior leaders, including former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have also been monitoring the situation, but the final outcome rests on Pawar's choice.
The statement underscores the fragile balance of power within the NCP and highlights how individual leaders can influence broader coalition strategies in Maharashtra's volatile political landscape.