Eknath Khadse: 'Merger Of Both NCP Factions Has Been Finalised' Following Ajit Pawar's Death

On this India Today special report, senior NCP (SP) leader and former minister Eknath Khadse reveals that the merger between the Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions of the Nationalist Congress Party had been finalised prior to the latter's sudden demise. Khadse stated, 'The merger of both NCP factions has been finalised,' noting that the move was intended to follow local body elections. The transcript details how both factions had already begun contesting local polls as an alliance against the BJP using the 'clock' symbol. Journalist Sahil Joshi adds that the late Ajit Pawar had hinted at this reunification during a January 2026 interview, suggesting the merger would involve supporting the NDA government at both State and Central levels. The report further notes that Sharad Pawar is set to retire from the Rajya Sabha in April 2026, which was expected to facilitate a smoother transition for the unified party under the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.