NCP (AP) has not yet made a decision on the matter, but is aware of the potential for a merger and is expecting an official initiative from the NCP (SP).
NEW DELHI: The Nationalist Congress Party, Ajit Pawar faction, has expressed openness to welcoming the Nationalist Congress Party, Sharad Pawar faction into its fold but is currently awaiting an official announcement from the high command. Although the senior leadership of NCP (AP) has not yet made a formal decision on the matter, they are aware of the potential for a merger and are expecting an official initiative from the NCP (SP). This perspective was shared by Brijmohan Shrivastava, a key leader of NCP (AP) and the party’s national spokesperson, during a conversation with The Sunday Guardian.
Shrivastava further stated that both factions of the NCP share the same ideological foundation and have a long history of working together. Despite the split due to certain differences, NCP (AP) currently holds no animosity toward NCP (SP) and is open to welcoming them back warmly and with open arms.
Another prominent leader of NCP (AP) informed the publication that he had spoken with several MLAs and MPs belonging to NCP (SP), who also expressed strong interest in a merger. Nevertheless, the ultimate decision rests with the senior leadership of NCP (SP).
This development gained momentum following the Supreme Court’s clearance for the conduct of local body elections, lending weight to the theory that the speculation surrounding a possible merger is strategically driven by electoral calculations. Moreover, an internal source within the NCP revealed that these efforts are primarily aimed at managing internal unrest in the lead-up to the local polls.
“Keeping the morale high among our elected representatives and grassroots party workers is essential, particularly with the local body elections around the corner. This is part of a broader strategy,” said a senior NCP elected representative.
Over the past few weeks, discussions around a potential reunification of the two factions have gained traction. While Sharad Pawar recently stated that any political decision would ultimately be made by Supriya Sule, others in the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction have also spoken cautiously about the matter.
Cabinet Minister Datta Bharne stated, “Any decision on a merger will be taken by our senior leader Ajit Pawar, along with the senior leadership of the other faction. I won’t comment on the specifics. But we respect Sharad Pawar, and if the factions do reunite, I would support it. However, the call must come from both sides.”
Earlier, NCP (SP) MLA Uttam Jankar advocated for a merger with the NCP-AP faction and suggested joining hands with the ruling alliance. Jankar, who represents the Malshiras Assembly segment in Solapur, said that he and three other MLAs from the region had conveyed their views to party chief Sharad Pawar.
At the same time, Supriya Sule, NCP (SP) working president and Baramati MP, stressed that any decision on a potential merger with the Ajit Pawar-led faction would be made only after consulting party workers. As a key leader and daughter of Sharad Pawar, she emphasised the importance of internal democracy and collective decision-making within the party.
Meanwhile, these merger discussions have raised concerns within the opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut remarked that the two NCP factions “were already together.” He added, “They are not like us. Our self-respecting stance is to avoid aligning with those who betrayed us by splitting our party, toppling our government, misusing power, and betraying Maharashtra.”