NCP(SP) leaders resist pressure to merge with Ajit faction; Sule urges cadre to hold ground

Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) is facing growing internal pressure to merge with the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) and join the NDA. However, senior leaders in the NCP (SP) continue to resist the move, with working president Supriya Sule on Tuesday urging party workers to stay the course in opposition and not chase power at any cost.

Speaking at the party's foundation day celebrations in Pune, Sule recalled how Sharad Pawar, when asked who he trusted after the party split, said: "I trust myself." She added, "The day you start believing in yourself and in your ideology, then no post or government matters. You may think it's easy for me to say, but I am easily content. What did Pawar saheb build this organisation for-power or public service?"

Sule said the NCP(SP), despite being in opposition, has made its voice count in Parliament. "While union ministers are heckled, our MPs are heard. Our views are considered in important bills and major decisions," she said, praising party veterans as "men of steel."

Sharad Pawar, addressing the gathering, echoed Sule's stance. "Don't worry about not being in power. The next election will bring change. What matters is staying united," he said.

Both leaders' speeches highlighted the internal dilemma within the party over calls to merge with the NCP (Ajit) faction for a share in power. Sule made it clear she is still holding out. Asked earlier by reporters about the possibility of a merger, she said, "There's no timeline on this."