"There was possibility when Ajit Pawar was alive": Sanjay Raut calls BJP a hindrance to NCP factions joining hands

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Sanjay Raut said that the factions could have joined hands when Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was alive.

He said, "The BJP is a party that does politics over dead bodies. While Ajit Pawar was alive, their coming together was possible, but now I don't know. I am commenting only on the events that have transpired in the BJP case."

While Ajit Pawar's close aide, Kiran Gujar, revealed that the late NCP chief was keen to merge the factions, earlier today, NCP MLA Anil Patil stated that the option is currently closed following Ajit Pawar's death, but indicated that party leaders would deliberate on the issue and engage in talks with the National Democratic Alliance before making any decisions.

When asked about NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar's remarks, stating that he had no information of the NCP leaders proposing Ajit Pawar's widow Sunetra Pawar for the Deputy Chief Minister post, Sanjay Raut said that NCP is an independent faction and it will make its decision within the party.

He said, "Ajit Pawar's party is an independent faction. This is a decision within their party. Discussions took place, and a decision is being made."

"I am hearing such news (Sunetra Pawar being proposed as Legislative Party Leader). Maharashtra has not yet recovered from the grief of Ajit Pawar's death. This is a decision of their party. Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare are national leaders. If these national leaders have made a decision, then it is their choice," he added.

NCP leaders are set to hold a meeting to push for Sunetra Pawar's name for the Legislative Party Leader and the post of Deputy CM. NCP State President Sunil Tatkare said that the final decision will be made by CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Meanwhile, NCP-SCP leaders gathered at Sharad Pawar's residence in Baramati today to chalk out the party's strategies, following the untimely death of Ajit Pawar.

The meeting comes after Sharad Pawar refuted speculation about a merger of the two NCP factions following his nephew's demise.

A crucial meeting was held on January 17 between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, reportedly the final discussion on the merger. The factions had been working towards reunification, with Ajit Pawar planning to announce the merger on February 12, but his sudden death has put the process on hold. The merger talks involved seven meetings between senior leaders, including Jayant Patil and Supriya Sule, with a roadmap prepared for the unified party.

Ajit Pawar passed away on Wednesday when a chartered plane carrying him crashed-landed in Baramati. Among the deceased were his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots. (ANI)