Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday asserted that the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) or NCP (SP) would not join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), amid growing speculation about a possible merger of the two NCP factions, reported the PTI.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said the NCP (SP), headed by Sharad Pawar, would not become part of the ruling alliance. His remarks came after several leaders of the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) met Sharad Pawar in recent days, fuelling speculation about a possible reunion, the news agency reported.