Sharad Pawar puts a stop to merger speculation, says he won’t join anyone

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) leader Sharad Pawar on Tuesday (September 28, 2026) put an end to speculation over the possibility of a merger between the NCP and NCP(SP). His party would not join anyone, but others were welcome to join his party, Mr. Sharad Pawar said, adding that he would continue working to strengthen the party. This has put paid to speculation over whether the party would join the NCP and support the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Mr. Pawar’s party colleagues welcomed his statement.

The NCP is led by the late Ajit Pawar’s wife and incumbent Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. It is a part of the government in Maharashtra. The NCP(SP) is aligned with the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) under the larger Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc. The speculation over whether Mr. Sharad Pawar’s party would support the NDA had intensified after Mr. Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi a few days ago. Rumours about the likelihood of a political realignment in Maharashtra were also being heard. Sources indicated that the BJP was insistent the two NCPs came together to join the national alliance.

“There is talk about us. As the party president, I want to make it clear that the discussions are about strengthening the NCP under the leadership of Sharad Pawar. Let me tell you, we are not going to join anyone. If anyone wants to come, they can join us. We will strengthen our party,” Mr. Sharad Pawar said, addressing party workers at the Y.B. Chavan auditorium here. His statement was received with a huge round of applause.

Speaking before Mr. Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra NCP president Shashikant Shinde expressed concern over the speculation around the party. The speculation could be laid to rest now, Mr. Shinde said, and cadres had to start working towards increasing the party’s presence. “People keep speculating. When we go on ground, cadres ask us about the position of the party. This has to end,” Mr. Shinde said.

Looking at the cheering cadres, NCP(SP) leader Supriya Sule said it was one of the most invigorating party meetings of the past two-and-a-half years. “People keep speculating that our party is in trouble. But after looking at all of you today, I feel that it’s not our party, but our Opposition which is in trouble. Our party is in a mood to fight,” Ms. Sule said.

“There is no confusion. Sharad Pawar has spoken clearly and unambiguously. The doors are not shut for anyone. But we will not join anyone,” NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad said, when asked about what Mr. Sharad Pawar’s statement meant for the possibility of a merger between the two NCPs.

At Monday’s meeting, the NCP(SP) leadership discussed drought in the State, resolving to intensify its struggle on the streets to secure aid for farmers. Drought must be declared in the entire State, and not just in 265 talukas, Mr. Sharad Pawar had earlier said.