Mumbai: Amid heated debate over the possible merger of the NCP and NCP(SP), Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that only Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar can clarify whether the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions will merge. He noted that the BJP has not been informed of any such move as yet and the merger requires coalition consultation.
Addressing swirling rumours about a potential merger between the two rival NCP factions, CM Fadnavis maintained that any such decision would heavily involve the ruling coalition. “If they decide to merge, they will come and tell us, because the merger cannot happen without us. Neither of them has told us anything yet,” he said.
Speaking at an informal media interaction during a Diwali gathering at his official residence, Varsha, the Chief Minister provided key updates on the political landscape, drought mitigation, and Mumbai’s security.
Describing late leader Ajit Pawar as a time-tested figure with deep knowledge of Maharashtra, CM Fadnavis cautioned that comparing Sunetra Pawar’s current leadership to her late husband’s would be unfair as she adapts to her new role.
“Ajit Dada was a leader who had been tested over time. He had an immense understanding of Maharashtra and a deep knowledge of the state. Sunetra Pawar is now adapting to the situation. Comparing her with Ajit Dada would be unfair,” he remarked, adding that other party leaders are currently managing affairs collectively.
Highlighting ongoing drought mitigation measures, the CM announced that advance assistance has already been disbursed to farmers, with final relief packages to follow shortly. He also emphasised long-term solutions, including major river-linking projects expected to make the state drought-free within seven to eight years.
Turning to agrarian challenges, he assured that the state government is actively managing the drought situation. The government has provided advance financial assistance to affected farmers and will announce final relief measures soon. Detailed village-wise mapping of water sources and fodder arrangements for livestock have been implemented, he added.
Addressing orange growers who voiced concerns over strict borewell restrictions—which threatened existing trees while new plantations require up to eight years to yield fruit—CM Fadnavis announced that the government has accepted demands to permit specific borewell-related activities until December 15 alongside mandatory groundwater recharge measures.
The Chief Minister stressed that ambitious river-linking projects—including surplus floodwater diversion from western Maharashtra, water integration into the Godavari basin, and the Wainganga-Nalganga link—will permanently eradicate drought in the state within seven to eight years.
CM Fadnavis addressed high water consumption in Pune, dust pollution controls in Mumbai, and ongoing tunneling projects designed to ease traffic congestion in the capital. He also focussed on urban resource management and environmental compliance.
Noting that Pune consumes nearly 16 TMC of water annually against prescribed norms of approximately 11 TMC, he pointed to potential leakages or unauthorised consumption. While affirming that the government would not withhold additional water if genuinely required, he stressed the urgent need for the city to rationalise its usage.
To combat construction-induced pollution in Mumbai, civic bodies have been directed to strictly enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Furthermore, ongoing subterranean tunnel projects are projected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion over the next three to four years, he informed.
Strongly defending the Mumbai Police following recent threats and firing incidents linked to the Bishnoi gang, CM Fadnavis lauded the force’s professionalism in tracking down and arresting suspects swiftly.
In response to concerns regarding firing incidents and threats allegedly orchestrated by the Bishnoi gang, he offered a robust defence of the state’s security apparatus.
“Mumbai Police are so professional that after a firing incident, they identify the accused, track them down and arrest them, even after they get off a train. Only Mumbai Police can do this,” he asserted, dismissing the gang’s activities as largely psychological manoeuvres intended to intimidate citizens.
(IANS)
