No NCP merger talks during meeting with Sunetra Pawar, focused on drought: Minister Bharne
Maharashtra Minister Dattatray Bharne denied rumors of a merger between NCP factions following a meeting at Sunetra Pawar's residence. He stated the discussion was strictly limited to addressing drought conditions in their respective constituencies.
Why it matters
Political stability in Maharashtra remains a key focus due to the complex factional dynamics within the Nationalist Congress Party.
Pune Amid renewed buzz about a merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions, Maharashtra Minister Dattatray Bharne on Friday (November 13, 2026) said no political discussions took place during a meeting at Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar’s residence in Pune, asserting that all party MLAs stand firmly behind her leadership. Also Read: Praful Patel calls on Sharad Pawar at hospital; meet triggers speculation in Maharashtra https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/praful-patel-calls-on-sharad-pawar-at-hospital-meet-triggers-speculation-in-maharashtra/article71675536.ece Speaking to reporters after the meeting at the NCP chief's 'Jijai' residence, which was also attended by her son Parth Pawar and several party MLAs, Mr. Bharne maintained that the legislators had met solely to discuss drought-related issues in their respective constituencies.
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