On NCP (SP) uniting with NCP: Sule says will talk to party leaders, workers before deciding

On Thursday, Sharad Pawar said, “Leaders of both NCP factions follow one ideology. In our party, some leaders believe if development works in their constituencies are to be implemented, then they should join hands with Ajit Pawar’s party. However, there are some who believe we should not join hands. Our leaders are divided in two parties, but we continue to follow the same ideology.”

In an interview to The Indian Express earlier this week, Sharad Pawar had first spoken about the possibility of the two factions uniting. “As far as we are concerned, there are two views inside the party. One is that we reunite (with the NCP led by Ajit Pawar). The second section feels do not go directly or indirectly with the BJP. Let’s join the INDIA group and reorganise the alliance.”

Sharad Pawar said any decision whether they should join hands with Ajit Pawar’s party would be taken by the new generation in the party. “Our MP Supriya Sule will take the decision in this regard… I’m now out of the decision-making process,” he said.

The undivided NCP split in June 2023 when Ajit Pawar walked away with 40 MLAs. However, of late there have been speculations about the two parties coming together as both the Pawars have met three-four times in the last two months.

Sule said right now the priority for her was to ensure that citizens who are outside the country are brought back home safely. The country comes first, state and politics later, she said. At this point, Sule said her party and the MVA were backing the government and the armed forces to the hilt.