"Things will unfold as the time comes" – Sunetra Pawar’s first clear response on a potential NCP merger

Pune: Amidst widespread speculation in the state regarding a possible merger between the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions—the NCP and the NCP-SP—Sunetra Pawar, a key figure within the NCP, has offered her first direct response on the matter. In a single, concise statement, she remarked, "Everything will happen as the time comes." Following an improvement in Sharad Pawar’s health over the last few days, several NCP leaders, including Praful Patel and Parth Pawar, had called on him. These meetings fueled further discussions about a potential merger, making Sunetra Pawar’s recent comment particularly significant. She avoided giving a definitive "yes" or "no," opting instead to say, "As the time comes..."—a remark that effectively puts a temporary pause on the ongoing speculation. While some leaders within the party may favor a merger, sources indicate that Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar are not currently prepared for an immediate consolidation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also stated that any decision regarding a merger rests solely with Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar; the BJP has not received any official communication on the subject thus far. Sunetra Pawar’s response has now become a major topic of discussion in political circles. Her stance—that matters will be decided "when the time comes"—suggests that the merger process is, for now, at a standstill. Some sources further suggest that the subject might only resurface in the lead-up to the 2029 elections.