Maharashtra deputy CM Sunetra Pawar paid a condolence visit to the family of the late PSO Vidhit Jadhav (ANI photo) MUMBAI: Monday saw claims and counter-claims about meetings to plan a merger between the two NCP groups — with Sharad Pawar’s faction confirming the meetings and more voices in Ajit Pawar’s outfit denying them. Pawar Sr, meanwhile, hit back at CM Devendra Fadnavis over his statement that Ajit Pawar would have informed him if there were merger talks. Pawar Sr informally told journalists that those who were not present at the meetings would not know what transpired.NCP MP and state president Sunil Tatkare asked on Monday, “We had taken a collective decision to join the BJP-led NDA and people of the state have stamped their approval of Ajit dada’s decision in the 2024 assembly elections. Those speaking of a merger should answer whether they are fine with it.”NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal agreed with the view that if merger talks were serious, BJP would have been informed. “Today, Sunetra Pawar is the deputy CM. She will speak to others and come to a decision.”“We are with the BJP govt and with NDA. If such talks were held, BJP would have to be informed and decisions would have to be taken about who would be part of NDA at the Centre,” Bhujbal said.He added Ajit Pawar had not informed him about any merger talks. NCP minister Hasan Mushrif also said he was not present at any of the talks. “As far as I know, there was no meeting in which leaders of both parties were present.”But NCP (SP)’s Jitendra Awhad said, “It is 2000% true that merger talks were on.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrump Announces India-US Trade Deal, Reduces Reciprocal Tariffs On Delhi To 18%; PM Modi ReactsAir India Grounds Dreamliner After Pilot Flags Fuel Control Switch Issue in London-Bengaluru Flight’Nonsense, Lies’: BJP Blasts Rahul Gandhi For Citing Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Memoir, Oppn Hits BackChina Slams Dalai Lama’s Grammy Win, Calls It Political Manipulation Warns Against Anti-China MovesShowdown In Parliament As Rahul Gandhi Quotes Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Book on China’Arrogant, Liar’: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Attacks CEC Gyanesh After SIR Meet In DelhiPak Analyst Rips Munir Over Trump Minerals Pitch And IMF Loans After US Snubs Pakistan On Pax SilicaBalochistan Crisis: Pakistan-Origin Commentator Takes Apart Islamabad, Exposes Lies On India’India Showed…’: Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Remarks On Galwan Clash Resurface After Lok Sabha Row’Faster Than BrahMos’: DRDO Calls New Hypersonic Anti Ship Missile A Game Changer For India123Photostories8 baby boy names that are inspired by successful celebritiesHow to make South Indian Beetroot and Paneer Paniyaram for breakfast at home10 best travel ideas for Valentine’s Day 2026 weekend9 comforting amla dishes ideal for winter months10 luxury bikes that blend power, precision, and prestige‘The 50’, ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘Laughter Chef’: Celebrity reality shows that never fail to entertainHrithik Roshan shares his post-workout meal photo and it is plateful of things we all loveKriti Sanon pens a special note for ‘Special Friend’ after Nupur Sanon’s Hindu wedding- See pictures8 ways to experience a different side of DelhiJustin Bieber’s performance to Lola Young’s win: Highlights from the 68th Annual Grammy Awards night123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesCigarette Prices HikeIndia US TradeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSuper Bowl HalftimeMLB Trade RumorsFernando MendozaTom BradyTampa Bay LightningNHL Trade RumorsTop YouTube ChannelsRyan ClarkQuinn HughesJoel Embiid
MUMBAI: Monday saw claims and counter-claims about meetings to plan a merger between the two NCP groups — with Sharad Pawar’s faction confirming the meetings and more voices in Ajit Pawar’s outfit denying them. Pawar Sr, meanwhile, hit back at CM Devendra Fadnavis over his statement that Ajit Pawar would have informed him if there were merger talks. Pawar Sr informally told journalists that those who were not present at the meetings would not know what transpired.NCP MP and state president Sunil Tatkare asked on Monday, “We had taken a collective decision to join the BJP-led NDA and people of the state have stamped their approval of Ajit dada’s decision in the 2024 assembly elections. Those speaking of a merger should answer whether they are fine with it.”NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal agreed with the view that if merger talks were serious, BJP would have been informed. “Today, Sunetra Pawar is the deputy CM. She will speak to others and come to a decision.”“We are with the BJP govt and with NDA. If such talks were held, BJP would have to be informed and decisions would have to be taken about who would be part of NDA at the Centre,” Bhujbal said.He added Ajit Pawar had not informed him about any merger talks. NCP minister Hasan Mushrif also said he was not present at any of the talks. “As far as I know, there was no meeting in which leaders of both parties were present.”But NCP (SP)’s Jitendra Awhad said, “It is 2000% true that merger talks were on.”
