MUMBAI: Maharashtra minister Aditi Tatkare on Wednesday said NCP workers will support whatever decision party chief Sunetra Pawar takes about the merger of rival NCP factions.
Claims and counter-claims about the possible merger of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) cropped up following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. Ajit Pawar then headed the ruling NCP, while his wife Sunetra Pawar currently helms the party.
"Party workers stand firmly behind Sunetra Pawar and will support decisions taken under her leadership," Tatkare told reporters in response to a query about merger talks.
Talking about the death of Ajit Pawar, Tatkare said the party has sought a thorough probe by central and state agencies, including the CBI and the CID, to ascertain whether it was an accident or foul play.
She expressed confidence that leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, would ensure justice.
On the ruling Mahayuti alliance contesting the upcoming bypolls to Rahuri (Ahilyanagar) and Baramati (Pune) assembly constituencies, Tatkare said the coalition comprising BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena takes decisions collectively, and candidates fielded by any constituent are treated as joint nominees.
"Opposition parties will be requested to allow Sunetra Pawar election in Baramati unopposed," she said.
She cited a tradition in Maharashtra politics, where parties generally avoid fielding a candidate against a departed leader's family member, and appealed for a consensus approach.
Responding to queries on internal party issues and allegations against the NCP campaign agency, she said such matters were being "needlessly exaggerated" and would be addressed within the party if required.
Tatkare also said the deadline for e-KYC compliance for the Ladki Bahin scheme has been extended till April 30 to allow beneficiaries to correct errors made during earlier submissions.