14 June,2026 01:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ramdas Athawale. File Pic
Union Minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale on Saturday suggested that Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar should consider joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rather than merging his party with the Congress.
Athawale's remarks come amid renewed political speculation over the possibility of Opposition parties consolidating around the Congress in an effort to strengthen their challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the national level.
Speaking to reporters, Athawale said that while he had earlier advised Pawar to merge his party with the Congress, the political situation had changed considerably over time.
According to the Union minister, the Congress no longer possesses the organisational strength it once enjoyed and therefore may not be the ideal platform for political realignment.
"I had advised Sharad Pawar in the past to merge his party with the Congress. But the Congress does not have the strength it once had," Athawale said.
He argued that Pawar would be better served by aligning with the NDA instead of joining hands with the Congress.
Athawale went on to invite the veteran Maharashtra leader to become part of the NDA.
In a lighter vein, he added that if Pawar was uncomfortable joining the BJP directly, he could consider merging his party with the Republican Party of India (Athawale faction).
"Instead of going to the Congress, he should come to the NDA. If he has a problem with the BJP, then he should merge with the RPI," Athawale said.
The comments are the latest in a series of statements by political leaders responding to discussions surrounding Opposition unity and possible party mergers.
The issue gained attention after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut recently advocated greater Opposition unity.
Raut suggested that parties which were originally formed after breaking away from the Congress should consider returning to the parent organisation in order to build a stronger political alternative to the BJP.
He specifically referred to the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) and the Trinamool Congress as parties that could explore such a possibility.
Raut had further argued that Sharad Pawar, one of the country's most experienced political leaders, should take the initiative in bringing smaller Opposition parties together under a common platform.
According to the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, a broader Opposition realignment could help create a stronger challenge to the BJP in future elections.
His remarks sparked political debate, particularly in Maharashtra, where Opposition parties continue to explore strategies to strengthen their position against the ruling alliance.
The conversation around Opposition unity has intensified following the recent West Bengal Assembly elections, where the Trinamool Congress suffered a major setback.
Political observers believe the results have prompted fresh discussions among Opposition leaders regarding organisational restructuring, alliances and potential mergers.
While there has been no official indication from either the Congress or the NCP (SP) regarding a merger, the speculation has continued to generate political reactions from leaders across party lines.
Athawale's remarks underscore the differing views within India's political landscape on the future of Opposition politics.
While some leaders advocate a larger anti-BJP coalition centred around the Congress, others believe regional parties may be better positioned pursuing alternative political arrangements.
For now, neither the Congress nor the NCP (SP) has formally commented on the suggestions made by Athawale or the merger proposals floated by Opposition leaders.
As political discussions continue, the possibility of alliances, mergers and realignments is likely to remain a key topic ahead of future electoral contests at both the state and national levels.
(With inputs from PTI)
