NCP's Future in Limbo: The Unfinished Merger Talks

Senior NCP leader Hasan Mushrif confirmed ongoing merger talks with NCP (SP) before Ajit Pawar's fatal air crash. The party now seeks the BJP's confidence before proceeding. Ajit Pawar aimed for unified local elections, but aspirations remain unfulfilled posthumously, pending family approval and internal deliberations.

Senior NCP leader Hasan Mushrif acknowledged on Friday that late party president Ajit Pawar had been engaged in merger discussions with NCP (SP) before his recent death in an air crash.

Mushrif, speaking in Kolhapur, emphasized the changed landscape following Ajit Pawar's untimely demise and the necessity of consulting the ruling BJP prior to any decision.

The strategy, influenced by Ajit Pawar's intentions and his family's preferences, revolves around uniting the factions for local elections, yet party leaders, including Sharad Pawar, indicate no immediate rush toward merger finalization.

(With inputs from agencies.)