Fadnavis Dismisses Speculation of NCP Merger as Baseless, Affirms Coalition Stability

In a definitive statement aimed at quelling persistent political rumors, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has categorically refuted ongoing speculation regarding a potential merger of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) into the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition. Speaking to journalists at his official residence, Varsha, Fadnavis asserted, 'The NCP takes its own decisions. Had any such discussion taken place, Ajitdada [Ajit Pawar] would surely have informed me about it.' This explicit denial underscores the formal communication channels within the 'Mahayuti' (Grand Alliance) and seeks to project an image of unwavering coalition unity. The remarks appear strategically calculated to neutralize internal dissent and external narratives that could destabilize the ruling partnership. By invoking the authority and presumed transparency of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis reinforces the operational cohesion of the alliance while dismissing the merger talks as unfounded conjecture. This public clarification serves to reinforce the current power-sharing framework and mitigate any perception of political realignment ahead of critical state agendas.