No discussion on merger of NCP factions, confirms Supriya Sule

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule

There has been no discussion on the reunion of the two National Congress Party (NCP) factions, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule said on Thursday days after merger buzz gained ground.

"There is no storm in a teacup as is being made out," she told reporters in Mumbai when asked about the buzz in political circles about the merger of the two factions - NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar and NCP led by his nephew Ajit Pawar.

"You will see us in the INDIA alliance meeting in the next few days when it is convened," Sule, the NCP (SP) working president, added.

The NCP (SP) chief and his nephew Ajit Pawar have met on multiple occasions in the recent past, fueling speculation in political circles about rapprochement. Most recently, they were seen attending a seminar on the use of Artificial Intelligence in the sugar industry and agriculture sector at the Pune-based Vasantdada Sugar Institute.

Sharad Pawar had formed the NCP in 1999 after parting ways with the Congress. His nephew Ajit Pawar joined the BJP-Shiv Sena government along with several NCP leaders in July 2023, leading to a split in the party founded by Sharad Pawar.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will celebrate its 26th foundation day in Pune on June 10. Sharad Pawar is expected to address his faction leaders in the morning, while Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar will address a public meeting later in the day.