Daijiworld Media Network - Pune

Pune, Jun 19: Veteran leader Sharad Pawar has firmly dismissed any possibility of reuniting with the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), putting an end to swirling speculation over a potential merger. Speaking at a meeting of NCP-Sharad Pawar workers in Pimpri Chinchwad near Pune, the senior leader made it clear that his party would not align with those who chose to side with the BJP.

“Those who allied with the BJP are mere opportunists,” said Pawar, adding, “We come from a Congress background. Pune has always embraced that ideology. Aligning with the BJP goes against everything we stand for.”

The NCP, which Sharad Pawar founded in 1999, split in 2023 when his nephew Ajit Pawar joined the BJP-led Maharashtra government and was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. The Election Commission later recognised Ajit’s faction as the official NCP.

Rumours of a possible reunion gained traction due to several interactions between the two camps. Sharad Pawar had earlier hinted that the decision should be left to the younger generation, notably his daughter and MP Supriya Sule. However, Sule, who was pitted against Ajit’s wife Sunetra in the Baramati Lok Sabha seat, was strongly opposed to any rapprochement. She was supported by senior party leaders like Jitendra Awhad.

In contrast, younger leaders like MLA Rohit Pawar seemed more open to reconciliation. Still, Ajit Pawar has remained silent on the matter, while his party president Sunil Tatkare had earlier dismissed the idea of a merger outright.

Sharad Pawar used the occasion to rally his supporters, urging them to move past the defection of leaders and focus on strengthening the party for upcoming local elections.