Sharad Pawar rules out NCP (SP) merger, says focus remains on strengthening party

Sharad Pawar`s remarks come as the NCP (SP) seeks to strengthen its organisation in Maharashtra and prepare its workers for upcoming political challenges. File Pic

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday ruled out the possibility of his party merging with any other political outfit for the sake of power, saying the focus would instead be on strengthening the organisation, reported the PTI.

Addressing a gathering of party workers, Pawar referred to speculation about the NCP (SP) joining hands with those in power and made it clear that his party would continue on its own path.

"We are not going anywhere. If you want, join us. We have decided to strengthen our organisation," Pawar said, the news agency reported.

His remarks came amid renewed speculation about the future political alignment of the Sharad Pawar-led party. Recent reports have fuelled discussion about a possible change in the party's political equations.

Focus is on organisation

The NCP (SP) is currently part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), along with the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress.

Pawar's latest statement indicates that the party intends to concentrate on strengthening its organisational structure rather than merging with another party. In May, Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Shashikant Shinde had also said that there was no discussion about a merger with the rival NCP faction, according to the PTI.

Shashikant Shinde on merger stand

Speaking to reporters after Sharad Pawar's remarks, Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Shashikant Shinde said the party chief had made the party's position clear.

Shinde said unification could take place only if the other NCP faction, which is currently part of the ruling Mahayuti government, merged with the NCP (SP), as per the PTI.

The NCP split in 2023 after Ajit Pawar and a group of MLAs joined the BJP-led government, resulting in two separate factions.

The major polls in state were also fought by the two factions separately.

Pawar's message to party workers

Pawar's remarks come as the NCP (SP) seeks to strengthen its organisation in Maharashtra and prepare its workers for upcoming political challenges.

The party had earlier rejected speculation about joining the ruling alliance, while reports in recent months had also raised the possibility of discussions involving the Congress, the news agency reported.

(with PTI inputs)