Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Sunday said a merger between the NCP and NCP appeared to be in its final stages and that the roles of various leaders would soon become clear.
A recent meeting between senior NCP leader Praful Patel and NCP chief Sharad Pawar in a Mumbai hospital revived speculation about a possible merger of the two factions. A viral video showed the two leaders discussing a possible meeting after November 10.
Speaking to reporters on the occasion of Diwali, Shirsat referred to the meeting between Parth Pawar and NCP chief Sharad Pawar and said political developments were unfolding. Meanwhile, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare said the merger of the two factions would have taken place in February this year had Ajit Pawar been alive. Late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar’s son and NCP general secretary Parth Pawar and NCP leaders met Sharad Pawar at his residence in south Mumbai on Saturday to inquire about his health following his discharge from hospital.
The only thing we need to see is which party merges with which. We have given them some items to help make their festival easier. Taking a swipe at the Opposition over its criticism of the government’s financial assistance of ₹ 5,000 to drought-hit farmers in the state, Shirsat said political parties were free to extend similar assistance.
“We provide assistance to common people through the government, but as a party, we are also visiting them so that they feel they have someone of their own to turn to.
“I have said earlier that there would be some political developments, and we can see them happening. I think the developments are in their final stages, and the roles of various people will soon be decided,” said Shirsat, whose party is an ally of the NCP in the ruling Mahayuti coalition in the state. Asked whether a merger between the Shiv Sena, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Shiv Sena , headed by Uddhav Thackeray, was also possible, Shirsat said his party was open to welcoming new entrants. This is being done across the state,” he said.
