Tatkare in Pune to meet Sunetra Pawar, says merger call is hers and Sharad Pawar's

Talk of a merger of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party is running high in Maharashtra politics these days. Against this backdrop, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare has arrived in Pune. He is to meet Deputy Chief Minister and NCP national president Sunetra Pawar. Discussion in political circles had intensified after a statement by Tatkare, and all eyes are now on what the two discuss.

At Vidya Pratishthan in Pune, Tatkare paid his respects at the memorial of Ajit Pawar. He then spoke to the media and spoke about the planned meeting with Sunetra Pawar. Tatkare said, "I am going to meet Mother, so naturally I will meet Bhabhi too. I called her yesterday and told her that I am coming to Pune."

Asked about the merger talk, Tatkare replied cautiously. He made it clear that he was standing at Ajit Pawar's sacred memorial today, so it would not be appropriate to make a political statement there. Even so, he said in a suggestive tone, "Sunetra Bhabhi will take the decision on the merger. Sharad Pawar Saheb has been in politics for six decades, so whether to merge or not will be his decision too."

Tatkare also said that the merger is not an issue at present. In his words, "I am emotional and will not be able to say anything on this today. After discussing with Bhabhi, I will state my position at the right time." This statement too has set off discussion in political circles.

Tatkare also spoke on the finance portfolio in the state cabinet. He said firmly that the NCP must get the finance portfolio. He recalled that Ajit Pawar presented a record 21 budgets for the state and made a major contribution to its development. Tatkare also said he himself had got the chance to present a budget in 2010.

Tatkare further said that he was in his village during Diwali and so does not have much information about recent political developments. It remains to be seen what Sunetra Pawar and Sunil Tatkare discuss at their meeting, and whether any new position on the merger emerges.