Mumbai, July 18 (IANS) NCP (SP) leader and former minister Jayant Patil on Saturday rubbished rumours of the party led by Sharad Pawar joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or merging with the NCP faction led by Sunetra Pawar.
Speaking to the media in Pandharpur, where he had travelled to support the protest against the Shaktipeeth Expressway, Patil clarified the nature of his meetings and dismissed the rumours with humour.
“Has the NDA extended an invitation to us? If not, where is the question of joining them? We are not in any race, nor have we demanded any cabinet portfolios. Going by media reports over the last few days, it feels as though I have already been sworn in as a minister three times,” he said.
Addressing his visit to the Chief Minister’s residence, Patil explained that the meeting was strictly regarding a local constituency matter.
“I met the Chief Minister to address the wrongful disqualification of the Islampur Municipal Council President from my constituency. I did not meet Praful Patel or Sunil Tatkare there,” he clarified.
On merger rumours, Patil said no talks were taking place between the two NCP factions. “Not a single discussion has happened until this moment. Watching these speculative news reports is merely a source of entertainment for us,” he remarked.
He reaffirmed the party’s stance, stating, “We are firmly working in the Opposition. I want to assure our workers that all our MLAs and MPs stand resolutely and loyally behind Sharad Pawar.”
Patil’s clarification comes amid speculation in Maharashtra’s political circles over a potential merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Rumours also suggested that the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction might join hands with the BJP to enter the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Patil recently visited the Chief Minister’s official residence, ‘Varsha’, to meet CM Devendra Fadnavis, followed by another meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. These interactions triggered speculation, with reports claiming that Patil was poised to become the next Finance Minister or Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Adding weight to Patil’s statements, MP Supriya Sule in Mumbai also confirmed that the chapter of a potential merger between the two factions is officially closed. In an emotional statement, Sule referenced the passing of her brother, the late Ajit Pawar, whose final wish was to see the party united.
“My brother passed away about five months ago, and our family is still recovering from the loss. It was his last wish that both factions come together to serve the state and the country in harmony. I desired to fulfil his wish while he was with us, and even after he left. However, we are not seeing any reciprocal sentiment from the other side. Therefore, we have put a permanent full stop to this issue in our minds and within our party,” Sule said.
With both Patil and Sule issuing unequivocal denials, the NCP (SP) has made it clear that they remain firmly anchored in the Opposition, dampening any immediate prospects of a realignment in Maharashtra’s volatile political landscape.
–IANS
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