Maharashtra: Supriya Sule to Decide on NCP Factions’ Future Amid Reunification Buzz
Pune, 2nd June 2025: The future of the split Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) may soon hinge on Supriya Sule, Member of Parliament and daughter of Sharad Pawar. As speculation intensifies over a possible reunification of the Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar-led factions, Sule is expected to take a decisive call once she returns from an official overseas visit on June 5.
The speculation gained momentum after Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar shared a stage in Pune on Sunday during a seminar on artificial intelligence. The two leaders were later seen engaged in a private conversation, fueling buzz in political circles about the potential mending of ties. However, both camps have publicly denied that politics was discussed.
Rohit Pawar, Sharad Pawar’s grandson, affirmed that any decision regarding a merger would be taken by Sule. Currently, she is part of an all-party parliamentary delegation visiting multiple countries to clarify India’s position on the recently launched “Operation Sindoor.” Her return is timed just ahead of NCP’s foundation day on June 10, when she may clarify her position.
Sharad Pawar, who is engaged in a legal battle with Ajit Pawar over the party’s name and symbol, recently softened his tone in an interview. He acknowledged that many of his own leaders are in favor of reuniting with Ajit’s faction, but emphasized that the final decision would rest with the next generation, notably Sule.
Political observers believe that even if a full merger doesn’t occur, the NCP (SP) — Sharad Pawar’s faction, may explore joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This would mark a significant shift, as Pawar has historically aligned with anti-BJP coalitions, including the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the national-level INDIA bloc.
The NCP was founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999 following a split from the Congress over Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin. The 2023 revolt by Ajit Pawar, who allied with the BJP-led Mahayuti, significantly weakened the original party, with many senior leaders such as Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Dilip Walse Patil switching sides. The Election Commission and the Maharashtra Speaker subsequently recognized Ajit Pawar’s faction as the official NCP and awarded it the party’s traditional clock symbol. Sharad Pawar’s camp was rebranded as NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and given the Tutari symbol.
Analysts believe Sharad Pawar’s recent conciliatory moves stem from a desire to avoid further desertions and maintain political relevance. By signaling support for the central government and distancing himself from some opposition stances, including criticisms of “Operation Sindoor” and the all-party delegations, Pawar appears to be preparing the ground for a strategic realignment.
A merger or even a tactical alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP within the NDA framework would pose a serious threat to the stability of the MVA and further fragment the opposition INDIA bloc. Sharad Pawar, who was instrumental in the formation of both alliances, may now be looking at what many see as a pragmatic shift to stay politically afloat in a rapidly changing landscape.
