NCP's Tatkare says discussions held with BJP over possible merger
Tatkare was speaking at a party workers' meeting during his organisational tour of Marathwada. 'The BJP leadership has accepted us with due thought. If any decision on merger ever has to be taken, BJP's top leadership will certainly be taken into confidence,' he said.
Tatkare also remarked that the party's current experience within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has been 'more harmonious' compared to earlier alliances. Reflecting on the NCP's past, he noted that even in 1999, despite contesting against the Congress, the party chose not to align with the BJP, then led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. 'Today, however, we have passed a resolution to remain with the NDA,' he said.
On preparations for upcoming local body elections, Tatkare said the party is receiving encouraging responses from its ongoing tours in North Maharashtra and Marathwada. Referring to possible seat-sharing scenarios, he said, 'In some places, we may consider contesting outside the Mahayuti alliance. A final call will be taken after district-wise reviews in coordination committee meetings.'
Responding to questions on the Public Security Act—recently backed by the NCP in the legislature—despite opposition from party founder Sharad Pawar, Tatkare said support for the Act does not indicate a rejection of Pawar's ideology. 'We are in the government, and the Bill has been thoroughly read and understood. The support is based on that. But that does not mean we are going against Pawar saheb's thinking,' he said.
Among those present at the meeting were district president Satish Chavan, Maharashtra Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Patil Chakankar, and MLA Vikram Kale.
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