Ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) State President Sunil Tatkare stated on Friday that the merger of the two NCP factions would have been completed on February 12, 2026, had the late Ajit Pawar been alive. His comments were aimed at addressing mounting political speculation following the emergence of a video featuring senior leader Praful Patel visiting an ailing Sharad Pawar at a Mumbai hospital.
Tatkare clarified that while back-channel discussions had previously established a concrete roadmap for reunification under the leadership of the late Ajit Pawar, those specific talks were effectively halted following his tragic passing. The NCP state president emphasized that there is currently no active proposal or fresh discussion regarding a merger between the two factions, seeking to quell rumors that have circulated across Maharashtra’s political circles.
The speculation was ignited by a leaked video clip captured during Praful Patel’s visit to Breach Candy Hospital. While the primary intent of the visit was to inquire about the health of the 85-year-old Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) chief, the footage showed a brief interaction between the two veterans. In the recording, Sharad Pawar mentioned his expected discharge, leading to a suggestion from Patel that they should meet in Mumbai after November 10 to talk comfortably.
This brief exchange was interpreted by some as a sign of an impending political realignment, drawing criticism from rival factions who labeled the event as an act of pressure politics. Tatkare’s public clarification served as a firm response to these narratives, intended to reassure party workers and the public that the ruling NCP faction, now under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, remains firmly aligned with its current political partners in the National Democratic Alliance.
Sharad Pawar himself remains under medical observation. The veteran leader was initially admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on November 2, 2026, after reporting symptoms of a cough and chest pain. Although he was initially discharged, he was subsequently moved to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on November 4 for comprehensive follow-up evaluations regarding a respiratory and chest infection. Medical reports indicate that his condition is stable and he is expected to be discharged shortly.
The health status of the senior leader has drawn widespread attention, with prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaching out to check on his well-being. The persistent public interest in the potential merger of the two NCP camps continues to highlight the complex political landscape in Maharashtra, even as leadership transitions and health concerns remain at the forefront of the narrative.
For now, the official stance from the ruling faction led by Tatkare remains that the vision for a unified party perished with the late Ajit Pawar. As Sharad Pawar prepares for his return home, political observers continue to monitor the situation, though official sources maintain that no new roadmap for integration is on the table, and the focus remains solely on the veteran leader’s recovery.
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