Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) working president Supriya Sule has categorically rejected ongoing speculation regarding a potential merger between the two NCP factions. During a press engagement in New Delhi on Thursday, the Member of Parliament clarified that she has not received any formal proposal for reunification, nor has any individual approached her on the subject.
Sule addressed the rumors following recent reports of meetings between senior NCP leaders and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on November 1. While some leaders reportedly expressed support for a merger during that interaction, Sule maintained that the matter is no longer active from her perspective. Her comments align with a similar position taken by Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare, who recently stated that there is no substance to the speculation regarding a possible consolidation of the two groups.
Reflecting on previous efforts to unify the party, Sule acknowledged that discussions had occurred while her cousin, Ajit Pawar, was alive. She referred to a public meeting held at Govindbaug on January 17, 2026, where the potential merger was discussed. However, she emphasized that the sudden death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, 2026, fundamentally altered the situation, effectively ending the efforts for reconciliation.
Key facts
- Supriya Sule is the national working president of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
- Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, 2026.
- Six senior NCP leaders reportedly met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on November 1.
- Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare stated he sees no substance in the merger rumors.
- A prior meeting regarding potential party reunification took place at Govindbaug on January 17, 2026.
Background
Ajit Pawar, the nephew of party patriarch Sharad Pawar, initiated a split within the Nationalist Congress Party in July 2023. Following his decision to join the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, his faction secured the party’s original name and election symbol, leaving Sharad Pawar to lead the rival group, formally designated as the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar).
Source: Hindustan Times
Comments