No personal objection to merger of 2 NCPs, but decision must be collective: Sunil Tatkare

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: NCP state president Sunil Tatkare on Thursday said he had no personal objection to a possible merger decision of the two NCP factions, but added any such move would have to be taken collectively by the party brass.His statement came against the backdrop of the two NCPs forming an alliance for municipal corporation elections in some places.Tatkare said the decision to align with NDA had been discussed within the party for several years, but was repeatedly deferred. "Eventually, we did decide to go with NDA. We faced criticism then, and continue to do so even today. Therefore, if a merger decision is taken in future, it too will have to be a collective one. I have no personal opposition to it," he said while interacting with reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday.Referring to Sharad Pawar, Tatkare said he was not in a position to advise whether the senior politician should join NDA or not. "I know my limitations. We have already decided to remain with NDA, and we are firm on that stand," he said.Talking about the ongoing local body elections, Tatkare said both factions of NCP are contesting together in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, bringing cheer to party workers who had worked together for years. However, he clarified that deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar's recent remarks about a merger were limited only to Pimpri Chinchwad. "I have not heard him making such statements elsewhere. Therefore, those remarks cannot be given a general interpretation," Tatkare said.He added no discussion has, so far, been held with him in his capacity as state president of the party regarding a merger. "Ajit Pawar is the national president of the party, and he is entitled to articulate his views. However, at present, this issue is confined to Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad," Tatkare said.Tatkare also dismissed claims made by Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat that Sharad Pawar would join NDA. "Usually, he presents his views appropriately, but sometimes he slips," Tatkare said.Addressing questions on the party's electoral strategy, Tatkare said NCP is not contesting elections to fill any political vacuum left by opponents. After a long gap, civic polls are being held, and the party is fighting primarily for its workers. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded candidates in 78 seats.