Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 7: Speculation over a possible merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has intensified in Maharashtra following a reported conversation between NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar faction leader Praful Patel during a hospital visit.
The discussion gained attention after Sharad Pawar reportedly told Patel that they could speak after November 10. This has triggered political speculation about the possibility of the two NCP factions coming together, with leaders from different parties offering their interpretations.
BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban hit back at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut over his comments on the possible merger, questioning his authority to speak on the NCP's future.
Ban described Raut as the "de facto deputy party chief" of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, alleging that Raut takes decisions that even Uddhav Thackeray does not. He sarcastically remarked that Raut should decide when the Shiv Sena (UBT) would merge with the Congress.
On the NCP merger issue, Ban said the decision would be taken by Sunetra Pawar and that the BJP would fully support whatever decision she made. However, he maintained that Sharad Pawar was capable of taking his own decisions and did not need Raut to communicate them.
Ban also criticised Raut for allegedly acting as a spokesperson for Sharad Pawar, saying the senior NCP leader was sufficiently experienced and politically capable of announcing his own decisions.
Responding to claims that Parth Pawar did not give importance to leaders of the NCP faction, Ban questioned how much importance Aaditya Thackeray gave to Raut. He referred to reports of disagreements between the two Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and alleged that their differences had been visible for years.
Ban further claimed that Raut could eventually join the Congress, either individually or along with the entire Shiv Sena (UBT) faction. He also alleged that Aaditya Thackeray's leadership had contributed to the exit of 40 Shiv Sena MLAs under Eknath Shinde.
The BJP spokesperson urged Raut to examine the political history of Aaditya Thackeray instead of commenting on Parth Pawar, while reiterating his criticism of the relationship between the two Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders.