Ajit Pawar Open to NCP Faction Merger Post-Civic Polls, Focuses on Unity

• Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is keeping options open regarding a merger between his NCP faction and Sharad Pawar's after the civic body elections.
• Pawar stated that contesting local polls separately, even within alliances, is common to empower party workers, citing past instances with NCP-Congress and BJP-Shiv Sena.
• The NCP split in July 2023, with Ajit Pawar's faction receiving the party name and symbol, while Sharad Pawar's faction was named NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
• He expressed happiness over the two NCP factions and Thackeray brothers coming together for local elections, driven by party worker demands to consolidate votes.
• Pawar clarified that discussions about a post-election merger have not yet occurred, as the current focus is on the ongoing campaigning and ensuring proper voting.

Why It Matters: Ajit Pawar hints at potential NCP faction merger after civic polls, emphasizing worker empowerment and vote consolidation.