Supriya Sule Confirms No Discussions with Sharad Pawar Regarding NCP Merger Plans

Supriya Sule, an NCP SP MP, stated on Friday that she had not discussed the potential reunion of the two Nationalist Congress Party factions with her father, Sharad Pawar, or Maharashtra unit chief Jayant Patil. Her comments followed media reports suggesting that Sharad Pawar had indicated it was up to Sule and Ajit Pawar to decide on a merger.

While addressing reporters, Sule mentioned her recent involvement in an all-party meeting in Delhi concerning border issues. She returned the previous day and had not yet met with Sharad Pawar to clarify his statements to the press. Sule emphasised that her current focus was on national matters.

NCP Merger Discussions

When questioned about discussions with party MLAs regarding the merger, Sule clarified that she was not coordinating with them. Her responsibility lies in coordinating MPs in Parliament, where they are recognised as a high-performing team. She stressed that any decisions would be made collectively.

Uttam Jankar, an NCP SP MLA, had recently advocated for merging with the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Jankar represents Malshiras in Solapur district and mentioned that he and three other MLAs had communicated their views to Sharad Pawar.

Background of NCP Split

The NCP experienced a significant split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar and his loyal MLAs joined the ruling alliance with the BJP and Shiv Sena. This division has led to ongoing discussions about potential reunification within the party.

Sule reiterated her commitment to working as part of a cohesive team in Parliament. She highlighted their collective efforts and achievements, underscoring the importance of unity in decision-making processes within the party.

The situation remains fluid as discussions continue among party members about the future direction of the NCP. The focus remains on maintaining effective coordination and addressing pressing national issues.

With inputs from PTI