PUNE: After Sharad Pawar took charge of steering the ship for his family following the death of his nephew Ajit Pawar, its members on Thursday backed deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar’s name as NCP’s national president. While some other senior NCP functionaries showed reluctance for a merger with NCP (SP), the Pawar family said Sunetra would speak about it on behalf of her party.Interacting with reporters in Baramati, NCP (SP) state general secretary and Ajit Pawar’s nephew Rohit Pawar said: “As the Pawar family, we also wish that after taking charge as deputy CM, Sunetra Kaki (aunt) should be the next NCP chief.” On the issue of merger, he said there had been no discussion so far in the family. “We will take it up after the mourning period as it is important to know the members’ opinions. Since Sunetra Kaki (aunt) has taken charge as deputy CM and all NCP MLAs support her, she will speak on the merger after Feb 9. We can then discuss it thereafter.”Possibility of a re-unification grew stronger after Pawar Senior took the lead to minimise tension within the family when he went to meet Sunetra and her sons at their Baramati residence for the second consecutive day on Thursday. Some senior NCP members, including Patel and state chief Sunil Tatkare, have refuted Sharad Pawar’s claim that his nephew had initiated steps for NCP’s merger.
