Sharad Pawar rules out NCP merger, says speculation 'has no relevance'

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday put an end to speculation about a possible merger between his party and the Nationalist Congress Party, led by the late Ajit Pawar's family. Speaking to reporters in Baramati, he said the merger talks had “no relevance” now, signalling that both parties would continue on their separate paths.

The statement comes amid reports that leaders from both factions had been discussing a reunion. Several leaders had earlier claimed that reunification was the late Ajit Pawar's last wish before his untimely death in an air crash earlier this year. Both parties had reportedly acknowledged that talks were in their final stages at the time of the tragedy.

However, senior leaders now indicate that the moment has passed. “That time has gone. Everyone has moved on. The talks are not likely to go anywhere as of now,” a senior NCP leader said on condition of anonymity. Another leader suggested there was a lack of willingness among the rank and file to come together as a single party.

The development follows a recent meeting between NCP MP Parth Pawar and Sharad Pawar in Delhi. Party sources dismissed any political significance, calling it a courtesy visit ahead of Parth Pawar's engagement, scheduled for July 29 in Pune. They also described the presence of senior NCP leader Praful Patel at the meeting as a coincidence.

On July 27, NCP leader Sunil Tatkare met Union Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. NCP sources indicated that the merger proposal would not fructify, suggesting that the political equations have shifted since Ajit Pawar's demise.

Internal differences within the ruling NCP appear to be a key factor. One faction within the party believes a merger would consolidate strength and improve electoral prospects for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. “It will only consolidate our strength. We will have better chances in the 2029 elections. The party will only grow stronger if we join hands,” a leader from this group said, adding that the two parties could function under Sharad Pawar's leadership.

Another group, however, finds the merger unpalatable. “For us, our leaders are Sunetra vahini and Parth dada. If a merger happens, the other part of the family will try to take away control from Ajit dada's family. We are in power. Why will any other scenario be acceptable to us?” a leader asked, referring to Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar. Several leaders also raised questions about the hierarchy and organisational leadership if the two parties were to merge.

Within the NCP (SP), senior leaders maintained a firm stance. They said they had been told there was no question of a merger. “The supreme leader always keeps his cards close to his chest. There is no question of predicting anything,” another leader remarked.

Political observers note that the formal rejection of merger talks brings clarity to the political landscape in Maharashtra. With both parties expected to contest future elections separately, the rivalry between the two factions is likely to continue. Sharad Pawar's decisive statement puts to rest months of speculation, though the underlying family and political differences remain unresolved.