NCP Merger Talks Hit Snag: Ajit Pawar Faction Firm on NDA, Sharad Pawar Responds

• NCP Maharashtra President Sunil Tatkare stated his faction's firm commitment to the NDA, hinting at conditions for any merger with Sharad Pawar's NCP-SP.
• Tatkare emphasized that any unification would require the Sharad Pawar faction to align with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP's political stance.
• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed merger reports, stating Ajit Pawar would have informed him if serious talks were underway, countering Sharad Pawar's claim of a February 12 announcement.
• NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar indicated a pause in political discussions within the Pawar family for 13 days, with future strategy to be decided later.
• Plans are underway for a memorial for the late Ajit Pawar in Baramati, led by Sharad Pawar, to be built on the Vidya Pratishthan campus.

Why It Matters: Ajit Pawar's NCP faction remains committed to NDA, setting conditions for merger, while Sharad Pawar's claims are dismissed.