Amid speculation over a possible merger between the two NCP factions, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday clarified that his party would not merge with any other political outfit, but said those interested could join his party.
“There are different speculations and reports about our party merger and joining with those in power. As the national president of the party, I wish to clear that the NCP (SP) is not going to merge with any party. If anyone is interested and wants to join our party, they are welcome. NCP (SP) is a separate and independent political party and will fight the election separately,” Pawar said.
Pawar also refuted reports that the NCP (SP) would join hands with the BJP and become part of the NDA, saying his party was in the Opposition and would remain there.
“We will strengthen the position of the Opposition. We are part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra and the INDIA alliance at the Centre,” the former Union minister said.
Pawar's remarks came amid recurring speculation in Maharashtra about a possible unification of the NCP (SP) and the Nationalist Congress Party led by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, which is part of the BJP-led Mahayuti government.
Speaking at a gathering of party workers, Pawar also said, “We are not going anywhere. We will not go with anyone. If you want to come, come with us,” without naming any party, according to a news agency PTI report.
Reacting to Pawar's statement, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare said Pawar had been in a leadership role for the last 60 years and that it was therefore not easy to read and decode his statement.
Tatkare said the meaning of Pawar's statement would be answered in the future and through his future political course.
NCP (SP) Maharashtra unit president Shashikant Shinde later said Pawar had made the party's position clear. According to the PTI report, Shinde said unification could happen only if the other faction, which is part of the Mahayuti government, merged with the NCP (SP).
Pawar also warned that his party would take to the streets if the Maharashtra government's demands for drought relief were not accepted.
“We don't want to fight. We will urge the government. If our demands are not accepted in the next two to four days, we will take to the streets and fight,” he said.
The former Union Agriculture Minister urged the government to support farmers affected by the drought and create awareness about the relief measures available to them.
The state government on Saturday declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas, or 74 per cent of the state, amid a rainfall deficit and announced various relief measures, including crop loan restructuring, land revenue concessions and power bill subsidies.
Pawar said 265 talukas had been declared drought-affected but pointed out that several other talukas had not been covered. He also said banana growers had not been included for assistance.
He recalled that during a drought-related meeting convened by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, it was suggested that MPs be given powers to take decisions on drought-related assistance without waiting for Cabinet approval.
Pawar also claimed that the Centre had announced assistance of Rs 25,000 for sweet lime crops after he visited Jalna district, where large areas were under sweet lime cultivation.
He said farmers should be made aware that those with outstanding loans could face difficulties in obtaining fresh credit.
(With inputs from PTI)