Maharashtra Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president and Raigad Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare on Sunday said his party will continue to be part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), dismissing speculation of an imminent merger with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).
Tatkare said the party would move forward on the political line and ideology set by the late Ajit Pawar and stressed that there was no ambiguity about the current inclusion of the NCP.
“Firmly in our position”
Addressing reporters at the NCP state office, Tatkare said, “Whatever people may say, our stand is clear. We will continue with the party and the ideology given by Ajitdada. We are firm on this stand.”
Reiterating the party’s commitment to the NDA, he added, “We are with the NDA and will remain with the NDA. This was a well thought out decision taken by Ajitdad.”
Tatkare said the decision to join the ruling alliance was taken collectively under the leadership of Ajit Pawar and claimed he never took any major political step without the late leader’s approval.
He also stressed that NCP’s merger with NDA does not dilute its ideological base. According to Tatkare, the party continues to promote secular values and principles of social justice inspired by Shivaji Maharaj, Jyotiba Phule, Shahu Maharaj and BR Ambedkar, adding that the move was mandated by the people of Maharashtra.
Referring to criticism over the perceived haste in which Sunetra Pawar resigned as deputy chief minister shortly after Ajit Pawar’s death, Tatkare said that differences of opinion were natural in a democracy.
“There is nothing wrong with her taking oath to stabilize Maharashtra and fulfill Ajit Pawar’s vision of a developed state,” he said, adding that the decision was taken keeping in mind the interests of the state and the strength of the party.
Merger speculation challenged
Tatkare questioned the timing of the merger-related claims and asked why such discussions were held even before Ajit Pawar’s last rites were completed.
He said he had not issued any statement on the merger talks, but claimed a narrative was still being pushed that suggested he was against it.
As for the party’s Rajya Sabha nominee, Tatkare said the decision will be taken internally by the NCP. He also praised the BJP for maintaining cordial relations within the alliance.
“BJP has always cooperated with us and treated its allies with respect,” he said.
Tatkare was speaking during a visit to the NCP state office where rituals were being performed after the ashes of Ajit Pawar – who died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28 – were brought for solemn prayers.
(With inputs from news agency PTI)
