Mumbai: Speculation and discussions surrounding a possible reunion of the two rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have been put to rest following a categorical statement by NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) Working President and Baramati MP Supriya Sule. She clarified that no discussions are currently underway regarding a merger between the two factions and that she has not received any proposal to that effect. Speaking in an emotional tone, Sule stated that the untimely demise of her brother, former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, had brought the possibility of reunification to an end, at least as far as she was concerned.
Addressing the media, Supriya Sule said she had no official information regarding the merger rumours circulating in Maharashtra’s political circles. Reports had suggested that Ajit Pawar had initiated efforts during his lifetime to reunite the two factions of the NCP. A video reportedly showing discussions at Govindbagh in Baramati had also surfaced, further fuelling speculation about a possible reconciliation.
However, Sule made it clear that her brother’s sudden demise had effectively brought those efforts to a halt. She emphasised that, for her, the chapter concerning a possible merger had come to a close.
Responding to questions about recent meetings between leaders of the rival NCP faction and party founder Sharad Pawar, Sule described them as courtesy visits rather than indications of any political realignment. She pointed out that interactions and meetings between senior leaders of different political parties are a routine part of political life and should not necessarily be interpreted as signs of an impending alliance or merger.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, a senior leader of the ruling NCP faction, adopted a more cautious approach when questioned about the possibility of reunification. Rather than directly denying the speculation, she stated that everything would become clear at the appropriate time, leaving room for further political interpretations.
Maharashtra NCP state president Sunil Tatkare also acknowledged that discussions regarding the reunification of the two factions had been actively pursued during Ajit Pawar’s lifetime. According to Tatkare, efforts were being made to bridge the differences between the two groups, but Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise disrupted the process and prevented further progress.
Supriya Sule also declined to comment on reported meetings between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Sharad Pawar, as well as interactions involving other senior political leaders. She maintained that such meetings were matters concerning the respective political parties and that she did not wish to speculate about their significance.
With Sule firmly ruling out any ongoing merger discussions, uncertainty continues to surround the future relationship between the two NCP factions. While some leaders have acknowledged earlier attempts at reconciliation, others have refrained from making definitive statements about the possibility of renewed negotiations.
For now, the political future of the two factions remains uncertain, with any potential reunification dependent on fresh discussions and decisions by their respective leaderships.
