'Don't think it is possible': Amid speculation, Piyush Goyal says no proposal for NCP merger yet

Piyush Goyal

• Piyush Goyal says no formal talks on NCP faction reunification have occurred
• Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction denies merger talks with Sharad Pawar's group
• Sunetra Pawar elected leader of NCP legislature party amid ongoing speculation

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Union Minister Piyush Goyal has dismissed growing speculation about a possible reunification of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party, stating that there has been no formal communication on any such move and that a merger appears improbable.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Goyal said he had not received any indication from leaders of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction regarding talks of reconciliation with the Sharad Pawar camp. He specifically named Sunetra Pawar and senior leader Praful Patel, saying neither had conveyed any information on a merger.

“We have been given no information by Sunetra Pawar or by Praful Patel regarding any merger. In my opinion, I don’t think a merger is possible," Goyal said.

His remarks come at a time when political circles in Maharashtra are abuzz with speculation about a possible thaw between Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar, who leads the NCP faction that joined the BJP-led Mahayuti government. Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash at Baramati Airport earlier this week.

Talk of a rapprochement gathered pace after the two leaders were seen meeting earlier this month, setting off widespread discussion about whether the party could be brought back together.

Fuel was added to the speculation on Saturday when Sunetra Pawar was unanimously elected leader of the NCP legislature party at a meeting held at the Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai. Party leaders described the decision as unanimous and reflective of the will of party workers. Her candidature was proposed by senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal and supported by other leaders. She is scheduled to take oath later in the day.

Shortly thereafter, Sharad Pawar claimed that the merger of the two NCP factions was expected on February 12. Reports of a purported video showing a “final" meeting of senior leaders further intensified the buzz, although no official confirmation followed.

The Ajit Pawar-led faction, however, played down the speculation. NCP Maharashtra state president Sunil Tatkare clarified that the January 17 meeting between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar was confined to discussions on civic body elections and an agriculture-related programme.

“There was no conversation on a merger," Tatkare said.

The NCP, which was founded by Sharad Pawar more than three decades ago, split in 2023 after Ajit Pawar broke away with the support of a majority of MLAs, along with the party name and symbol, and aligned with the BJP-led coalition. Sharad Pawar’s faction is now known as NCP (SP) and is led alongside his daughter, Supriya Sule.

Despite continuing speculation, senior leaders from both sides maintain that no concrete progress has been made. Responding to questions on the possibility of a reunion, Sharad Pawar said discussions had taken place in the presence of Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil, adding that any further decision would now rest with Patil.