Jayant Patil Reveals Extensive Merger Talks with Ajit Pawar Faction, Sharad Pawar Informed

Jayant Patil, a senior leader of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), disclosed that approximately 10 meetings took place since March regarding a potential merger with the Ajit Pawar faction. Patil, who led these discussions, confirmed that party chief Sharad Pawar was kept informed throughout the process. He stated that a merger was proposed for February 12, following the Zilla Parishad election results, but did not materialize due to changed circumstances. Patil described Sunetra Pawar's recent oath-taking as an internal decision of the Ajit Pawar camp, refraining from further comment. He also noted that leaders aligned with Sunetra Pawar uphold Sharad Pawar's ideology, suggesting that unity would strengthen the party's core principles. Jayant Patil acknowledged MNS chief Raj Thackeray's opinion on a Marathi president for a Marathi party as a personal view, which he chose not to comment on, and mentioned not receiving an invitation to Sunetra Pawar's ceremony, citing a simple event and a recent family bereavement as reasons for not making political remarks.