Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar has firmly rejected reports suggesting that his party is preparing to merge with the Congress, putting an end to speculation that gained momentum after comments made by senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar.
Speaking on Thursday, the veteran Maharashtra leader made it clear that his party has no plans either to merge with another political organisation or to witness any internal split. His statement comes at a time when rumours about possible political realignments have been circulating in the state.
Pawar Rejects Reports Of Merger
The speculation began after Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that discussions were underway regarding the possible merger of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction with the Congress. According to his remarks, meetings involving senior leaders and the Congress high command in New Delhi were taking place to explore the possibility.
However, Sharad Pawar dismissed these claims, stating that such reports were baseless and insisting that the NCP (SP) would continue to function as an independent political party.
His remarks also ruled out any suggestion of divisions within the party, reaffirming that the organisation remains united.
Merger Talks Had Surfaced Earlier
This is not the first time reports of a possible Congress-NCP (SP) merger have emerged. Similar discussions had taken place ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, but no decision was reached as political parties shifted their focus to campaigning.
In recent weeks, fresh reports claimed that senior leaders from both parties had resumed discussions and that negotiations were progressing. Pawar’s latest statement, however, has effectively ended those rumours.
Separate Stand On Ajit Pawar’s Faction
Sharad Pawar’s comments also come against the backdrop of an earlier decision by his party to reject any possibility of reuniting with the faction led by his nephew, Ajit Pawar.
The NCP split in 2023 after Ajit Pawar and several legislators joined the BJP-Shiv Sena-led government in Maharashtra, resulting in the formation of two separate factions.
Leaders from Sharad Pawar’s camp have repeatedly maintained that both groups now follow different political ideologies and strategies, making any reunion unlikely.
A Political Journey Marked By Major Splits
Sharad Pawar himself founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999 after breaking away from the Congress over ideological and leadership differences. More than two decades later, his own party experienced a major split when Ajit Pawar led a breakaway faction.
The latest speculation about another political restructuring emerged amid changing political dynamics across several regional parties in the country, prompting discussions over possible alliances and organisational changes.
Focus Remains On Strengthening The Party
By dismissing reports of a merger, Sharad Pawar has signalled that the NCP (SP) intends to retain its separate political identity rather than become part of the Congress.
With Maharashtra’s political landscape continuing to evolve, Pawar’s clarification is expected to put to rest speculation over the party’s future and shift attention back to its independent organisational and electoral strategy.
