Mumbai, Feb 5 (NationPress) Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare asserted on Thursday that the swearing-in ceremony of Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister was conducted without any rush.

“Where was the rush? I want to clarify to Maharashtra and its citizens that the swearing-in occurred only after the completion of three days of mourning rituals—specifically, after 72 hours. Let me explain this to prevent any unfair criticisms based on misleading information. There’s no basis to claim the swearing-in was hurried. We convened the legislative party meeting on the fourth day, post the official state mourning period. On that day, we submitted a letter to the Chief Minister, who subsequently sought the Governor's approval to administer the oath to Sunetra Pawar. Thus, the notion of 'rush' simply does not exist,” he clarified.

Tatkare further mentioned that the NCP legislative party made decisions under the guidance of Ajit Pawar, after which they aligned with the NDA and participated in the Lok Sabha elections.

“We encountered challenges during those elections. However, in the Assembly elections, Ajit Dada and the rest of us campaigned with great confidence and determination, traveling throughout Maharashtra. We successfully secured 41 out of 59 seats under the 'Clock' symbol,” he stated.

“Naturally, with Ajit Dada being the legislative party leader who faced an unfortunate demise, we began the process of selecting a new leader. What is wrong with that?” he questioned.

When asked about the merger discussions between the two NCP factions, Tatkare dismissed the claims.

“I have no objections to anyone's remarks, but if the public were to discover who started merger discussions in the same location where the body was displayed for public homage—and the reason for it—it would clarify who was truly in a hurry,” he added.

He was responding to comments made by NCP SP chief Sharad Pawar and other party members who repeatedly asserted that multiple meetings occurred with Ajit Pawar regarding the merger, and that Ajit Pawar was poised to announce it on February 12.

Previously, NCP working president Praful Patel stated on Tuesday that he would refrain from discussing hypothetical merger scenarios.

Patel remarked, “I will only address my party as it stands today. I will not comment on any speculative situations.”

He underscored that the decision-making concerning the party's future lies exclusively with its current leadership and will remain within the organization.

Patel further explained that the party leadership met with Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar to assure them of unwavering party support.

“We urged her to accept the responsibility of the Deputy Chief Minister's role. She agreed to that request. 'Dada' (Ajit Pawar) was a leader who never believed in stagnation. After we clarified our position, she made her choice. We are pleased that she responded to our appeal. She indicated that the family observes three days of mourning; thus, she came to Mumbai on the fourth day, and the swearing-in was carried out. I am puzzled as to why controversies persist,” he concluded.