Sharad Pawar Quashes Talk of NCP Reunification in Baramati Declaration
The veteran leader dismissed merger rumors as irrelevant following the death of Ajit Pawar. Internal friction over leadership and family hierarchies continues to stall any consolidation efforts.
Finality in Baramati
Sharad Pawar, leader of the NCP Sharadchandra Pawar group, formally ended discourse regarding a potential merger with the Nationalist Congress Party on July 28, 2026. Addressing reporters in Baramati, the senior statesman characterized the prospect as having no relevance to the current political climate. This declaration follows months of intense speculation fueled by the supposed final wishes of the late Ajit Pawar, who died in an aviation accident earlier this year.
The Breakdown of Unity Talks
Before the death of Ajit Pawar, insiders from both factions acknowledged that reconciliation discussions had reached advanced stages. However, that momentum has vanished. A senior NCP official confirmed that the window for such a move has closed, stating that the parties have moved on and negotiations are unlikely to yield results. While some party members recently met in the national capital, the interactions appear disconnected from any organizational union.
- Parth Pawar: The NCP MP met with Sharad Pawar in Delhi, though sources claim the visit was purely social, focused on his July 29 engagement in Pune.
- Praful Patel: His presence during the Delhi meeting was described by party associates as coincidental.
- Sunil Tatkare: The NCP leader held talks with Union Minister Amit Shah on July 27, though sources suggest merger prospects were not advanced during this session.
Internal Friction and Power Dynamics
Despite a faction within the ruling NCP believing a merger would bolster their chances for the 2029 elections, significant resistance remains. Opponents of the plan, including Sunetra Pawar, reportedly worry that a union would disrupt the internal party balance and fail to resolve lingering family disputes. Those loyal to the families of Sunetra and Parth Pawar express concern that a merger would allow the secondary branch of the Pawar family to seize control from the established leadership. Within the NCP SP, the official stance remains firm: there is no question of a merger. As one leader noted, Sharad Pawar retains total control over his strategic maneuvers, making future predictions difficult.
Source: The Hindu — Home
