Unaware of Sunetra's swearing-in, merger has suffered a setback, says Sharad Pawar

Mumbai: Clear signs of a rift within the Pawar family emerged on Saturday as NCP founder Sharad Pawar said he was not aware of Sunetra Pawar's proposed swearing-in as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and acknowledged that talks on merging the two NCP factions had now stalled.

"I don't even know whether the swearing-in is happening or not," Sharad Pawar told reporters when asked if he would attend the ceremony. The remark was widely seen as a public signal of his displeasure over the developments and a message that he had not been consulted on Sunetra Pawar's decision.

Sharad Pawar said discussions on reunifying the party were underway between Ajit Pawar and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) faction and that an announcement had been planned for February 12. However, he admitted the process had suffered a setback following Ajit Pawar's death.


"Talks were going on between Ajit and Jayant Patil and there was unanimity that the process of working together had to begin. For the last four months Ajit and party leaders were discussing the merger. It was Ajit's wish and it was ours too. The merger was to happen on the 12th and Ajit had decided the date. Unfortunately, this accident has happened and there is now a setback," Pawar said.

Sharad Pawar also hinted that Sunetra Pawar's decision to be sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister - barely days after Ajit Pawar's death - was influenced by senior NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, suggesting key decisions were being taken without wider consultation.

NCP (SP) leaders have privately accused Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and Chhagan Bhujbal of acting in alignment with the BJP and of not being keen on a merger. According to them, the swift move to elect Sunetra Pawar as legislature party leader and push for her swearing-in was aimed at derailing reunification efforts.