 "No merger plans for Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, says Supriya Sule")
Supriya Sule, Lok Sabha member of the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), stated on Wednesday that their faction has no plans to merge with any other political party. Speaking to reporters after a meeting at Sharad Pawar's residence, Sule clarified that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP will continue to participate in elections as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.
"Our faction will not merge with any political party. We will contest the upcoming polls as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)," Sule stated.
The meeting, attended by senior leaders including Anil Deshmukh, Rajesh Tope, Amol Kolhe, and Shrinivas Patil, focused on planning for an upcoming rally of the INDIA bloc. Discussions also centered around selecting leaders to address the rally.
Denying reports of a merger, Pune city unit President Prashant Jagtap emphasised that the NCP will emerge with a new name and symbol.
Jagtap stated, "Today's meeting was held in view of the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha elections. Talks were also held at the February 24 rally of the INDIA alliance in Pune."
Anil Deshmukh shared similar sentiments, dismissing speculations about the merger of the NCP (Sharad Pawar) with any other political entity.
Ajit Pawar vs Sharad Pawar
The rift within the NCP emerged in July last year when Ajit Pawar and eight other MLAs joined the Maharashtra government led by Eknath Shinde, causing a split in the party.
Following a series of hearings and assessments conducted by the Election Commission over more than six months, the dispute was resolved in favour of Ajit Pawar's faction on February 6, 2024. The Sharad Pawar-led faction had been given until February 7, 2024, to finalise a new name for their political party.
The Election Commission's decision to grant the NCP name and 'clock' symbol to Ajit Pawar's faction has been challenged by Sharad Pawar in the Supreme Court.
(With agency inputs)
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%