Sat Jan 31 08:16:16 UTC 2026: # Maharashtra NCP in Disarray: Merger Denials and Sunetra Pawar’s Impending Deputy CM Role

The Story:
Maharashtra’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is facing internal turmoil as party leaders publicly contradict each other regarding potential reunification efforts. On January 31, 2026, NCP President Sunil Tatkare refuted media reports of merger discussions between the Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions, claiming a meeting in Baramati on January 17, 2026, was only about local body elections. This denial comes after Sharad Pawar’s faction released a video of the late Ajit Pawar meeting with party members. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, is poised to be sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister on the same day, further complicating the political landscape.

Key Points:

  • Sunil Tatkare denied merger talks between the NCP factions, contradicting media reports.
  • Sharad Pawar’s faction released a video of a meeting with the late Ajit Pawar.
  • Sunetra Pawar is scheduled to be sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister on January 31, 2026.
  • Sharad Pawar claimed Ajit Pawar desired the two NCPs to reunite and that he was unaware of Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in.
  • NCP SP sources maintain a closed-door meeting was held on January 17, 2026, to discuss the reunification.

Critical Analysis:
The contradictory statements from within the NCP suggest a power struggle and potential internal divisions. Sunil Tatkare’s denial, despite the video evidence released by Sharad Pawar’s faction, points to a deliberate attempt to downplay or conceal ongoing negotiations, reflecting the political manuevering of the party.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCP is experiencing internal conflict, with conflicting accounts of reunification talks.
  • Sunetra Pawar’s appointment as Deputy Chief Minister adds another layer of complexity to Maharashtra’s political scene.
  • The timing of these events suggests a strategic maneuvering by both factions of NCP to gain political advantage.
  • The death of Ajit Pawar has created a vaccuum that several leaders are trying to fill.
  • The contradicting accounts indicate a lack of transparency within the NCP.

Impact Analysis:

The ongoing disputes within the NCP are likely to have a significant impact on the stability of the Maharashtra state government. Disagreements over leadership and potential reunification strategies could lead to further fragmentation within the party. Sunetra Pawar’s role as Deputy Chief Minister will be crucial, and her ability to unite the party and navigate the political landscape will determine the long-term impact of these events. The conflicting narratives could also erode public trust in the NCP, potentially affecting its performance in future elections.

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