Tatkare and Munde call on CM Fadnavis as NCP merger talk grows

NCP state president Sunil Tatkare and senior party leader Dhananjay Munde called on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, at a time when talk of the two NCP factions reuniting has picked up fresh pace. Tatkare, who is also an MP, reached Varsha, the Chief Minister's official residence in south Mumbai, at 12.30 pm. Munde, an MLA, visited the residence as well.

Neither leader has made public what was discussed, and nothing has been officially confirmed. Sources said the visit was a goodwill call to convey Diwali greetings. Even so, the timing has led political circles to read much more into it.

Munde offered his own account of his part in the visit. He said he wished the Chief Minister a happy Diwali and also briefed him on the severe drought in Marathwada. He asked Fadnavis to give farmers as much support as possible. According to Munde, the Chief Minister reacted positively and promised that the state would help farmers in every way.

Tatkare's visit came a day after he met Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Tuesday. That conversation lasted about an hour and a half. Meeting the Chief Minister right after it has added to the sense that something significant is under way.

The two factions went their separate ways after the political developments of 2023. The ruling NCP is now led by Sunetra Pawar, while the opposition NCP (SP) is headed by Sharad Pawar. Last week, several leaders from the Sunetra Pawar camp, among them Praful Patel and Parth Pawar, met Sharad Pawar. It has also been reported that MLAs from Ajit Pawar's party sought time to meet him. That is what started the talk of the factions joining hands.

The finance portfolio has now entered the discussion. Political sources say the ruling NCP faction wants the department, which Fadnavis currently holds. It was earlier looked after by the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was the NCP president and died in a plane crash on January 28. There is no official confirmation of any understanding or demand tied to the merger talk.

On Tuesday, Fadnavis had said that any merger of the two NCP factions would need consultation with the BJP, the largest constituent and leader of the ruling Mahayuti alliance. His remark came amid growing speculation about the future of the two factions and a possible reshuffle within the alliance.