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Sharad Pawar ends speculation over possible NCP merger with Ajit Pawar faction. (Img: X)
Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar has put an end to speculation over a possible merger with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, making it clear that his faction will continue its separate political path and remain aligned with the opposition INDIA bloc.
Pawar’s remarks came amid growing political discussions in Maharashtra over whether the two NCP factions could reunite after years of intense rivalry. Addressing party leaders and workers in Mumbai, the veteran politician said his group was not looking to join hands with any other political formation and that anyone seeking unity would have to come to his side.
The statement has once again brought the focus back on the power struggle within the Pawar family and the future direction of Maharashtra politics.
During a two-day meeting at Y B Chavan Pratishthan in Mumbai, Sharad Pawar addressed party workers and attempted to remove confusion regarding the party’s political stand.
Pawar indicated that NCP (SP) would continue strengthening itself instead of merging with another group. His remarks were seen as a direct response to speculation that the Sharad Pawar-led faction could reunite with the NCP headed by Ajit Pawar.
The veteran leader also emphasised the need to strengthen the organisation and maintain clarity among party workers about the political roadmap ahead.
The message came at a time when Maharashtra politics has been witnessing continuous realignments, alliances and leadership battles.
The merger speculation gained attention because Ajit Pawar’s NCP is currently part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, which includes the BJP and other partners.
The two factions separated in 2023 after Ajit Pawar and several MLAs joined the BJP-led Maharashtra government, creating one of the biggest political developments in the state.
Following the split, the Election Commission recognised the Ajit Pawar-led group as the official NCP and allotted it the party symbol. The Sharad Pawar faction was recognised as NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
The division changed the political landscape of Maharashtra and created a new battle over party identity, legacy and voter support.
NCP (SP) Maharashtra president Shashikant Shinde later clarified that any possibility of unification could happen only if the Ajit Pawar-led faction merged with Sharad Pawar’s party.
Shinde said Sharad Pawar had already made the party’s position clear and there was no question of the NCP (SP) joining another political group.
The statement further strengthened the message that the Sharad Pawar faction wants to preserve its independent political identity.
The Ajit Pawar-led NCP dismissed the merger discussion, stating that there was no proposal under consideration.
NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare said the party was performing well and would continue its association with the NDA alliance.
The response highlighted the continuing political divide between the two factions despite repeated speculation about a possible reconciliation.
The split between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar has remained one of the most closely watched political developments in Maharashtra.
Sharad Pawar, one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures, has maintained his position as the leader of the NCP (SP), while Ajit Pawar has built his own political space within the Mahayuti alliance. The dispute is not only about party structure but also about political legacy, organisational control and future electoral strategies.
