Sunetra Pawar set to take over as NCP chief, says Praful Patel; skirts merger talk

Senior NCP leader Praful Patel stated the party's immediate focus is on organizational consolidation and rallying behind Sunetra Pawar, who will soon assume charge as national president. Patel emphasized strengthening the party's base in Maharashtra following recent local body election successes. Discussions about a potential merger with NCP (SP) were downplayed, with the priority being internal stability.