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Politics
Chhagan Bhujbal Says NCP Merger Decision Lies with Sunetra Pawar
✍️ TOI India
🗓 30 Jul 2026, 04:41 PM
👁 3
During a press meet in Pune, Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that any potential merger between the rival NCP factions would be decided by party president Sunetra Pawar, and that debate on the issue should wait until leadership makes a call.
Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal addressed reporters in Pune on the possibility of a merger between the rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The party, which split after a dispute over leadership, has two main groups: one led by former Chief Minister Sharad Pawar and the other by current president Sunetra Pawar.
When asked whether the two factions could come together, Bhujbal replied that the decision rests solely with Sunetra Pawar. He added that there was little point in debating the matter until the party leadership takes a definitive stance.
Bhujbal’s comments come at a time when the NCP’s internal divisions have raised questions about its electoral prospects in Maharashtra. A merger could consolidate the party’s vote bank, but it would also require agreement on leadership and policy priorities.
The minister’s statement indicates that any move toward unification will be driven by the party’s top leadership, and observers will now watch for a formal announcement from Sunetra Pawar before speculating on the future of the NCP.
When asked whether the two factions could come together, Bhujbal replied that the decision rests solely with Sunetra Pawar. He added that there was little point in debating the matter until the party leadership takes a definitive stance.
Bhujbal’s comments come at a time when the NCP’s internal divisions have raised questions about its electoral prospects in Maharashtra. A merger could consolidate the party’s vote bank, but it would also require agreement on leadership and policy priorities.
The minister’s statement indicates that any move toward unification will be driven by the party’s top leadership, and observers will now watch for a formal announcement from Sunetra Pawar before speculating on the future of the NCP.