AdvertisementAjit Pawar as the pivotSenior leaders in both factions acknowledge that Ajit Pawar had played the central role in the merger talks. Sharad Pawar confirmed this, saying, “For the last four months, Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil discussed the issue of the merger of two parties. Sharad Pawar back at the centreAnother source of discomfort is the possibility of Sharad Pawar regaining control over the party’s direction. A merged NCP would likely see Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule playing a central role in decision making. A section of NCP leaders now feels that while the family of Ajit Pawar in leadership roles would be more pliable, the same cannot be said of Sharad Pawar.

Source: Indian Express January 31, 2026 21:01 UTC