Maharashtra NCP president refutes reports about discussion of merger with Sharad Pawar faction

Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare on Saturday (January 31, 2026) refuted media reports that discussion of a merger of the two parties had taken place at a meeting in Baramati on January 17. His statement came as Sharad Pawar’s faction released a video showing the late Ajit Pawar holding a meeting with Sharad Pawar along with other party members.

Sunetra Pawar oath ceremony updates on January 31, 2026

“I saw the video of a meeting today. This was a tea meeting in Baramati after an exhibition there. Ajit dada had himself clarified then in a press conference that it was about the discussion for local body elections,” Mr Tatkare said on Saturday (January 31, 2026).

In an early morning press briefing held at Baramati on Saturday (January 31, 2026), NCP SP leader Sharad Pawar had said that it was Ajit Pawar’s wish for the two NCPs to reunite and that his party wished the same. He also said that he was unaware of Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in today, and that there was no proposal or discussion about it within the family.

Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra, is set to sworn-in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra — a post that felt vacant following her husband’s death — later in the evening today. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat will administer oath of office to Sunetra Pawar at 5 p.m. at Raj Bhavan, officials confirmed to The Hindu. 

Elaborating on the meeting to be held today between Ms. Sunetra and NCP party leaders, he said, “A formal letter of her choice will be written. We will meet the CM with the letter. He will take a decision on it thereafter. We are unable to digest the grief that Ajit Pawar is no more with us. His sacred ashes will be taken in each district.” The Legislature party meeting will be held at the State Legislature at 2 p.m.