Rohit Pawar hints at likely NCP merger

Mumbai: Rohit Pawar, a member of the Sharad Pawar family, has stirred the pot regarding a possible merger with the Ajit Pawar faction, stating that Supriya Sule would clarify the issue. Rohit Pawar, MLA and grandnephew of Sharad Pawar, was asked about merger talks and mentioned that it would be up to Supriya Sule to make the final decision.

"Saheb (Sharad Pawar) has entrusted Supriya with this responsibility, and until she returns and speaks clearly on the matter... Supriya is currently abroad (with an all-party delegation for Operation Sindoor). She will return on May 5th, and after that, we are all waiting for her views," said Rohit Pawar, speaking at an event in Pune on Saturday.

Rohit further claimed that no discussions have taken place among party leaders or MLAs, like himself, about merging with the NCP (Ajit faction). "Until Supriya returns and clarifies, we won't be able to shed light on this," he added.

He hinted that, while Sharad Pawar has been signaling a potential alliance with the Ajit Pawar faction and the BJP, there could still be a twist. "No one knows what's in Pawar saheb's mind. When he takes a decision, it's often unexpected and totally out of the blue. If he speaks politically, something different may happen. What unfolds in the coming days will depend on him, but he will always take a decision in favor of the people," Rohit said.

It is significant that when the Ajit Pawar faction split and formed an alliance with the BJP, the Sharad Pawar faction opposed the move, citing ideological differences with the BJP.