Fadnavis says Sharad and Sunetra Pawar must answer NCP merger talks
In short
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar must explain any NCP merger plans. He said neither of them has told the BJP anything about a possible merger.
He also said it is unfair to compare Sunetra Pawar’s leadership with that of her late husband, Ajit Pawar. Separately, he said river-linking projects can help reduce drought in Maharashtra over time.
What the reporting says
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said only Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar can clarify any merger plans involving the two NCP factions. He added that neither had told the BJP about such a move. Fadnavis also said it was unfair to compare Sunetra Pawar’s leadership with that of her late husband, Ajit Pawar. In the same remarks, he backed river-linking projects as a long-term fix for drought in Maharashtra.
Why it matters
Devendra Fadnavis said any decision on a possible merger involving the two NCP factions rests with Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar, and that neither had informed the BJP about such plans. His comments also included criticism of comparisons made around Sunetra Pawar’s leadership and support for river-linking projects as a drought solution in Maharashtra.