Sunil Tatkare, Maharashtra unit chief and Member of Parliament from the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), on Thursday, 17 July 2025, firmly rejected reports of internal discord within the party, asserting that all key decisions are communicated to National President Sunetra Pawar. Tatkare's clarification came a day after speculation intensified over his unannounced meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the CM's official residence, 'Varsha', on Tuesday night.

What Triggered the Speculation

Political circles in Mumbai were abuzz after Sunil Tatkare and senior NCP leader Praful Patel met CM Fadnavis at 'Varsha' without a prior public announcement. Rumours quickly spread that Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth Pawar had been kept in the dark about the meeting, raising questions about the party's internal communication and power dynamics. The timing — with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Core Committee meeting also scheduled that day — added fuel to the speculation.

Tatkare's Clarification: 'No Double-Mindedness'

Addressing a press conference, Tatkare categorically dismissed the rumours. 'This is an internal party matter, and there is absolutely no room for double-mindedness. Sunetra Pawar is our National President. We regularly update her on all necessary developments. Our communication and tuning are excellent,' he stated.

He drew on his 35-year association with the late Ajit Pawar, saying a similarly seamless rapport now exists with Sunetra Pawar. He also denied that she had summoned either him or Patel to demand an explanation, calling such reports baseless.

Tatkare clarified that the visit to 'Varsha' was primarily administrative. 'I am a Member of Parliament, and I have various developmental works related to my constituency. I had some proposals that needed to be routed through the state government to Delhi. It is neither practical nor expected to inform everyone about routine administrative works,' he explained. He added that political matters are always discussed with Sunetra Pawar in advance, followed by a detailed briefing.

Jayant Patil and NDA Merger Rumours Denied

Tatkare also addressed reports that Jayant Patil, a senior leader from the rival Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, was present at 'Varsha' alongside him and Patel — sparking speculation that the Sharad Pawar camp might join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). NCP leader Supriya Sule had already rejected these claims.

Tatkare flatly denied any joint meeting. 'Jayant Patil was not present during our meeting with Devendra Fadnavis, nor did we meet him there. I fail to understand the logic behind the rumors that Jayant Patil joined us to demand the Finance portfolio. Jayant Rao has already clarified the purpose of his independent visit,' he said. He added that Patel accompanied him solely because of an upcoming international trip and the need to expedite constituency-related matters.

Party Merger Talks and Legal Notice

When questioned about earlier discussions of a party merger that had reportedly begun during Ajit Pawar's tenure, Tatkare acknowledged that those talks had reached an advanced stage before being 'completely halted' following Ajit Pawar's untimely demise. He announced that he, along with Parth Pawar and Praful Patel, will travel to Delhi this Sunday to deliberate on the legal response to a notice issued by former national secretary Sachidanand Singh.

Organisational Appointments and Lavasa Verdict

Tatkare also announced that the party will shortly fill vacant organisational positions, including state heads for the youth, women, and Mumbai wings. On the Lavasa project case — in which he appeared as a witness — he welcomed the Mumbai High Court's dismissal of the petition, saying it 'reflects the strength and independence of our country's judicial system' and amounts to a 'permanent full stop' on the controversy. As the party navigates both legal and organisational challenges, all eyes will be on whether its stated unity holds through the weeks ahead.