Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday said speculation about a possible merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has been circulating for nearly two years, but maintained that he trusts the public denials issued by senior NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leaders.
Raut's remarks came amid renewed political speculation following recent meetings involving leaders from both NCP factions and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Raut says he trusts Supriya Sule and Jayant Patil
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Raut said rumours about the reunification of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP have surfaced repeatedly over the past two years.
"Talk of a merger has been going on for two years, but Supriya Tai and Jayant Patil deny it. We trust them," he said.
His remarks come as political circles continue to discuss the possibility of rapprochement between the two factions that split in 2023.
Sharad Pawar avoids commenting on merger reports
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar declined to comment directly on reports of a possible merger or internal differences within his party.
When asked about the speculation, the veteran leader said: "That's not the subject to talk about right now."
His response contrasts with his earlier remarks in June, when he firmly rejected speculation about divisions within his party.
At the time, Pawar had asserted that while other parties had witnessed splits, his party remained united.
"Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have split, but none of our MPs will split."
Supriya Sule rejects merger and NDA alliance reports
NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) Working President Supriya Sule also dismissed media reports suggesting a possible alliance, merger or backchannel discussions with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
In a post on X, Sule said reports regarding the party's position on delimitation and political realignment were speculative and inaccurate.
"Recent reports appearing in sections of the media regarding the stand of the Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar (@NCPspeaks) on the issue of delimitation are inaccurate and speculative. I wish to clarify that neither I nor the party has had any official discussion with any media organisation on this subject."
She added that the party formulates its stand only after internal consultations and discussions with its INDIA bloc allies.
Says delimitation stand will come after Bill is tabled
Sule also said it would be premature to comment on the proposed delimitation exercise until the Centre formally introduces the legislation in Parliament.
"It would be inappropriate to comment on any proposal until the Government formally places the revised delimitation legislation before Parliament. Since no such Bill has yet been made available, any speculation regarding its contents or our position would be premature."
Meetings fuel political speculation
The latest round of speculation gathered pace after late-night meetings in Mumbai involving NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Jayant Patil, NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
However, leaders of the Sharad Pawar-led faction have maintained that the meetings were related to administrative matters and not political realignment.
Jayant Patil has also denied reports suggesting any discussions on a merger between the two NCP factions.
Political uncertainty continues
Although speculation over a possible reunion of the two NCP factions has resurfaced following the recent meetings, senior leaders from the Sharad Pawar camp have consistently denied reports of any merger or alliance with the NDA.
With the Monsoon Session of Parliament set to begin and Maharashtra's political landscape remaining fluid, discussions over opposition unity and possible political realignments are likely to continue in the coming weeks.
(With inputs from ANI)
* This article was originally published here
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