New turmoil has erupted in Maharashtra politics. Speculation is now swirling in the state about whether Sharad Pawar’s party, the NCP (SP), will merge with the Congress. Supriya Sule and Rohit Pawar have also issued statements addressing these speculations.
Speculation of the NCP (SP) merging with the Congress. Image Source: PTI
There is a growing debate in Maharashtra politics these days about whether the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) could merge with the Congress. This issue has sparked political turmoil within both the Maha Vikas Aghadi and Mahayuti camps. This speculation was first fueled by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. He said that regional parties that left the Congress to challenge the BJP should rejoin the Congress, and that Sharad Pawar should lead the process.
Sanjay Raut said, “A strong Congress, a united Congress, should stand as a strong alternative within the country. Pawar Saheb should come forward (take the initiative) in this regard. Honorable Sharad Pawar ji, if he takes the lead and takes the initiative in this ideology or role that is being formed, this idea of coming together, then this idea will go a long way.”
Question: Does this mean that the NCP will also join the Congress?
Sanjay Raut said, “I am saying that the parties that have left the Congress ideology, for some reason, are already working on the Congress ideology. They are in the government, they are together in many streams, so if this idea comes together, then a big alternative (challenge) can be posed before the Modi government.”
What did the Congress say?
The Congress side did not completely dismiss this discussion either. Maharashtra Congress leader Nana Patole claimed that the idea of the NCP merging with the Congress is not new and that this proposal had been put forward before. Meanwhile, some Congress leaders have stressed the need for opposition unity. Nana Patole said that this understanding has now also developed among regional parties in various states. Whether it’s Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, or other parties representing secular politics, everyone feels they must join forces with the Congress to save the country. This process has already begun.
What did the NCP (Sharad Pawar) say?
On the other hand, the NCP (Sharad Pawar) has currently ruled out any formal merger proposal. Party leaders have stated that no such discussions have officially taken place, although statements by Rohit Pawar and Supriya Sule indicate that all options are open to consideration regarding opposition unity. Regarding the suggestion of the NCP merging with the Congress, Supriya Sule said, “Sanjay Raut ji is like an elder brother to me; he has made a good suggestion. I don’t know if it will happen or not.” Meanwhile, Rohit Pawar said, “It will happen when it happens. It may or may not happen. But first, it’s essential that all opposition parties come together and stand firmly against the Modi government.”
What did CM Fadnavis say?
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sarcastically stated that regional parties will not merge with the Congress like a “sinking ship.” He claimed that even if opposition parties unite, it will not impact the BJP’s expansion; instead, it will gain political space.
Speculation intensifies in Maharashtra politics
Overall, no official decision or announcement has been made regarding the merger of the Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar). However, Sanjay Raut’s suggestion, positive signals from Congress leaders, and reactions from Rohit Pawar and Supriya Sule have further fueled speculation on this issue in Maharashtra politics.
Reported By: Sachin Chaudhary, Edited By: Subhash Kumar
Courtesy: Hindi News