Sharad Pawar Rules Out NCP Merger, Calls for Independent Strengthening

On September 28, 2026, Sharad Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP), announced that his faction will not merge with the NCP led by Sunetra Pawar nor shift to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He emphasized that any group wishing to unite must join his party, which will continue to operate as an independent political organisation.

The HinduSharad Pawar rules out NCP merger, NDA shift; says ‘we will fight as an independent party’ Hindustan Times

The NCP split in 2023 after Ajit Pawar and a majority of its legislators joined the BJP-led government. The Election Commission subsequently recognised Ajit Pawar’s group as the NCP, assigning it the party name and clock symbol, while Sharad Pawar’s faction was designated NCP-(Sharadchandra Pawar). Since the split, speculation has persisted about a possible reunion of the two factions and a realignment with the NDA, especially after Sharad Pawar’s recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The HinduSharad Pawar rules out NCP merger, NDA shift; says ‘we will fight as an independent party’ Hindustan Times

• Maharashtra’s state government has declared drought in 265 of the state’s 358 talukas.

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• NCP-SP leaders argue that several drought-hit talukas and banana-growing areas were omitted from relief measures.

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He warned that the party would press the government on drought demands within two to four days and would take to the streets if those demands are not met.

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Maharashtra NCP president Shashikant Shinde said any unification is possible only if the other faction merges into NCP-SP, reiterating Pawar’s condition for a merger.

Hindustan TimesThe HinduSharad Pawar rules out NCP merger, NDA shift; says ‘we will fight as an independent party’

State president Sunil Tatkare, speaking for the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, asserted that his party remains with the NDA and has not received any merger proposal.

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NCP spokesperson Suraj Chavan confirmed that no formal merger proposal has been exchanged between the factions.

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• “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, maharashtra deputy chief

The Hindu

• “If you want to come close to us, then those who want to come should come into our party. We will not join anyone else and our party will fight as an independent party.” — Sharadchandra Pawar, maharashtra deputy chief

Sharad Pawar rules out NCP merger, NDA shift; says ‘we will fight as an independent party’

• “We are not going anywhere. We will not go with anyone. If you want to come, come with us,” — Sharadchandra Pawar, maharashtra deputy chief

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• “The party is in a mood to fight,” — Supriya Sule, working president

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• Merger proposals: Shashikant Shinde claims a merger could occur only if the other NCP joins NCP-SP, implying an ongoing negotiation.

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• The two positions reflect divergent alliance strategies within the broader NCP family.

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Pawar’s firm stance maintains the fragmentation of the NCP, preserving the opposition bloc (Maha Vikas Aghadi and the INDIA alliance) in Maharashtra. By refusing a merger or NDA alignment, NCP-SP positions itself as a distinct force that can negotiate drought relief demands independently, potentially influencing state policy and electoral calculations ahead of future elections. The internal disagreement over merger conditions also highlights the uncertainty surrounding opposition unity in the state.

Hindustan Times