States » WestPosted at: Sep 28 2026 4:30PM


Will not merge with anyone : Sharad Pawar rejects merger buzz

Mumbai, Sep 28 (UNI) Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar has dismissed speculation about a possible party merger, asserting that his party will continue on its own political path and will not merge with any other entity.
Addressing a high-level party review meeting focused on agrarian distress and preparations for upcoming elections, Pawar said, “We will not go with anyone. If anyone wants to come, they should join us; we will not merge into anyone. This decision is final.”
Pawar’s remarks come amid ongoing political speculation over the future alignment of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). He reiterated that the party would function under his leadership and prepare to take on political challenges independently.
The veteran leader also criticised the government’s relief measures for farmers in 265 drought-hit talukas, arguing that merely stopping crop-loan recovery does not amount to a loan waiver. According to Pawar, such measures leave farmers carrying the burden of outstanding debt.
He also raised concerns over the exclusion of banana growers in Jalgaon, Parbhani and Nanded, along with inadequate attention to marginalised farm labourers, Dalits and tribal communities affected by the agrarian crisis.
Recalling his tenure as union Agriculture Minister, Pawar referred to decisions taken during earlier drought situations under former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. He said he had been given special autonomous powers that enabled rapid interventions, including the allocation of ₹25,000 per acre to protect citrus orchards in Jalna.
Pawar called for similar decisive action from the current administration to address the difficulties faced by farmers.
NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule also backed the party’s position, saying that accepting ministerial positions should not be the priority and that remaining in the Opposition and raising issues concerning public welfare is the need of the hour.
Pawar additionally raised concerns over the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in politics and elections. Referring to his recent visit to an AI institute in Baramati, he warned that AI-generated content and other technological tools could potentially influence future electoral campaigns and outcomes.
He pointed to developments in the United States and Europe as examples of the growing political impact of AI and urged party workers to understand the technology and prepare for the challenges.
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