NCP chief Sunetra Pawar opposes merger with Sharad Pawar's faction
What's the story
Sunetra Pawar, the current Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, has opposed the merger of her faction with Sharad Pawar's group. According to NDTV, she has conveyed her stance to Mahayuti leaders. While she is open to Sharad's faction joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as an independent party, she opposes any merger talks.
Family opposition
Concerns over political future
Sunetra's position is reportedly in line with her sons, Parth and Jay Pawar.
All three are wary of a merger, as it would likely place Sharad in charge of the unified party, with Supriya Sule as his deputy.
This political realignment could jeopardize their political futures, which is currently part of an alliance with the BJP and Shiv Sena.
Political strategy
BJP pushing for merger
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly pushing for this merger to strengthen its numbers in Parliament amid its bid to see the delimitation and women reservation bills through.
A meeting between BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leaders has fueled these rumors.
However, Sunetra did not attend this meeting, further indicating her opposition to the merger.
No talks
Sule denies merger talks
Similarly, Supriya Sule has also denied any ongoing discussions about a merger.
She said, "There is no question. Discussions happened when my brother was alive. We also had that sentiment. After he passed away, the matter ended there."
This statement comes amid speculation that some leaders in Sharad's party are pushing for a merger due to their desire for ministerial positions.
Caution issued
Shiv Sena (UBT) warns Sharad Pawar
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT), an ally of NCP (SP), has cautioned Sharad against pursuing a merger.
Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut wrote on X, "There may be a handful of people in Sharad Pawar's party desperate for ministerial posts... It does not befit the state's traditions for Sharad Pawar to keep discussing matters with a group that licks the BJP's boots."