'Full stop to discussions': Supriya Sule says NCP merger talks ended with Ajit Pawar's death; Sunil Tatkare rules out reunion

Supriya Sule, the working chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) and MP, announced that all conversations regarding the potential merger of the two rival factions of the NCP reached their conclusion on the day her brother Ajit Pawar, former Deputy CM of Maharashtra, died.

During the press conference, Sule left no room for speculation regarding previous back-channel discussions. "The merger (of both factions of the party) was discussed until my brother (Ajit Pawar) was alive. The day he left us, it put a full stop to those discussions," she said.

Ajit Pawar died in an aircraft crash while landing at Baramati airport in Pune district on January 28.

Sunil Tatkare disproves merger and sticks to NDA

Sule's comments came after Maharashtra NCP President and MP Sunil Tatkare rejected speculations of possible reconciliation with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SCP) on Friday, saying that the party is not planning to merge with any other political faction.

Tatkare also discussed his faction's political resolution and party setup that include:

Discussions on merger: "There aren't any negotiations about the merger at any level in our party," was what Tatkare claimed. He also stated that the topic of reunion "is not even considered."

Sticking with NDA: Confirming his allegiance to BJP-led NDA, Tatkare declared, "We have become part of NDA after considerable thinking under the leadership of PM Modi. We are a part of NDA and will stay with NDA."

Party's leadership: Tatkare told that the party is behind Sunetra Pawar and pledged its support to the present alliance in Maharashtra.

Meeting between Praful Patel and Sharad Pawar was strictly personal:

Maharashtra's political experts were quick to engage in debates after veteran NCP leader Praful Patel paid a visit to Sharad Pawar. However, Tatkare quickly extinguished these conspiracy theories and confirmed that there was 'no political agenda' behind the meeting.

"Pawar Sahab has contributed to national politics for 60 years. At 86, his health hasn't been well. We have all reached various political positions with his blessings. Praful Bhai simply went to check on his health," Tatkare clarified.

Tatkare dismisses Sanjay Raut's MLA defection claims, clarifies past remarks

Tatkare also responded aggressively to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who stated that around 20 to 22 MLAs were in preparation for switching parties. Tatkare stated that the claims of Raut were "utterly baseless" while adding that Raut's mental balance has been shaken after the assembly polls.

When asked a question regarding his earlier comments regarding the merger talks, Tatkare stated that he is "not confused" at all. He said that he only shared the information given to him by the late Ajit Pawar ('Dada') regarding a merger.

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