Mumbai
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule on Thursday clarified that there are no talks or plans to merge the two rival Nationalist Congress Party factions. Addressing rumors about a reunion between Sharad Pawar’s group and his nephew Ajit Pawar’s faction, she said there is no storm in a teacup as some claim. Sule assured that the NCP (SP) will continue to take part in the opposition I.N.D.I.A. alliance meetings expected soon. As the daughter of party chief Sharad Pawar and NCP (SP) working president, she stressed the party’s independent stand. The NCP will celebrate its 26th foundation day on June 10 in Pune, where Sharad Pawar will address his faction leaders, and Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy CM, will speak at a public event later. Though Sharad and Ajit Pawar have met recently, fueling speculation, Sule ruled out any immediate merger. The party split in July 2023 after Ajit Pawar joined the BJP-Shiv Sena government, forming two factions.