New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Working President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Praful Patel, on Tuesday minimized the ongoing discussions regarding the potential merger of the two NCP factions, asserting that he will refrain from engaging in hypothetical dialogues.

After paying respects to the late Deputy Chief Minister and NCP National President Ajit Pawar at the party’s office, Patel remarked, "I will only address the state of my party as it stands today. I will not engage in discussions about any hypothetical situations."

He stressed that the responsibility for determining the future of the party lies solely with its current leadership and will remain an internal matter.

Patel’s remarks follow claims from leaders within the Sharad Pawar camp that Ajit Pawar had previously expressed interest in a merger before his tragic passing in a plane crash.

NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar indicated last week that multiple meetings had occurred with Ajit Pawar regarding a potential reunion between the factions, with Ajit Pawar expected to announce the decision on February 12.

Patel indicated that the Ajit Pawar faction is currently inclined to preserve its independent identity.

Addressing the leadership of the party, Patel clarified that as the Working President, it is his duty to oversee the party's transition following Ajit Pawar’s death.

He mentioned that he and Sunil Tatkare (Maharashtra State President) are required to lead decisively during this critical period.

Patel shared that the party leadership had met with Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar to reassure them of the party's unwavering support.

"We asked her to take on the role of Deputy Chief Minister, which she accepted. 'Dada' (Ajit Pawar) was a man who never believed in stagnation. After we conveyed our perspective, she made her decision. We are pleased that she responded to our request. She indicated that the family would observe three days of mourning; therefore, she came to Mumbai on the fourth day, leading to the swearing-in. I fail to comprehend why there are still controversies," Patel stated.

Regarding the contest for the National President's position, Patel affirmed, "I, Praful Patel, am not vying for the role of National President."

He elaborated that while he is fulfilling his primary obligations of appointing the Legislative Party Leader and Deputy Chief Minister, the selection of a National President necessitates a formal party meeting and the collective agreement of party leaders and public sentiment.

Patel responded to remarks made by MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena concerning Ajit Pawar’s successor as National President.

Raj Thackeray had suggested on social media that a "Patel" ought not to lead Ajit Pawar's party. Similarly, Sanjay Raut proposed that the new leader should be a "Jadhav, Patil, or Kamble."

Patel continued his criticism of Raj Thackeray, stating, "Even without our input, sowing doubt within our party is underhanded politics. I am making it clear that a suitable leader will be appointed, and it won’t be me. Is Raj Thackeray a member of my party? Is he in a position to dictate our leadership? We do not require advice from Raj Thackeray, the '9 AM bulletin' (a reference to Sanjay Raut), or anyone from Telangana (in reference to Congress legislator Vijay Wadettiwar)."

In a passionate response, Praful Patel declared, “We will make our own choices. The party’s decisions will be made through the proper channels. We have already appointed Sunetra Pawar as Deputy CM. The choice of party president will come soon. Why are outsiders weighing in? Why are individuals who have never contested an election giving their opinions? My father has been elected by the people of Maharashtra since 1952, and I have also been elected by the people. Those who criticize our lineage should feel ashamed. I stand here as a representative of the people of Maharashtra. The decisions of the party will be directed appropriately, and it will be someone other than me.”

He reiterated his esteem for Sunetra Pawar and the family of Ajit Pawar, stating there should be no doubt about the party's respect for them. Patel reminded the media that he was the most senior colleague of Ajit Pawar and stood firm by the decision made in 2023 to split and join the government, alongside other senior leaders such as Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, and Dilip Walse Patil.