His statement comes two days after NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar dismissed speculation over a possible merger of the two factions.
Also read: ‘Not the subject to talk about: Sharad Pawar stays tight-lipped amidst reports of possible NCP-SP split
Responding to a reporter’s question about the merger buzz, Pawar said on Tuesday, “It has no relevance.” Bhujbal, who is the state Food and Civil Supplies Minister, was in the city to take stock of the ongoing work at Bhidewada, where India’s first school for girls was started by social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule.
When asked about the merger of the two NCP factions, he said, “Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar is the (NCP) president, and a decision will be taken under her guidance. It is the media that fuels such speculation, so there is no point in discussing it.
It will happen when it has to happen. Political leaders do meet one another on various issues. In democracy, dialogue should always happen.” Talking to the reporters after meeting the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials, the minister said, “…We want to showcase the history of Phule Wada to students.
Also read: NCP minister says Maharashtra wants to see Marathi person become PM; favours Fadnavis for roleRs 200 crore have been allocated for the expansion of Phule Wada. The chief minister has held meetings on the issue, but the work has not been completed in a satisfactory manner. We are ready to provide the land and we have completed all the necessary work.” Phule Wada was the personal residence of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule.
It is now a protected state heritage site and museum that honors their monumental work in women’s education and caste equality.
