Sharad Pawar Rules Out NCP(SP) Joining NDA, Says ‘Whoever Wants to Join Us Is Welcome’

Mumbai, September 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar on Monday dismissed speculation about his party joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or merging with another political outfit, asserting that his party would not join anyone, though others were welcome to join it.

Addressing a state executive committee meeting in Mumbai, Pawar said the NCP(SP) was working with strength across Maharashtra and described reports about a possible merger or change in alliance as baseless.

“There is constant chatter in the media regarding our party, but such talk is meaningless. The NCP is working with great strength across the state. Therefore, let there be no speculation about us. Whoever wants to join us is welcome, but we will not join anyone else,” Pawar said.

His remarks came amid speculation over a possible merger between the NCP(SP) and the faction led by Sunetra Pawar, as well as reports of a potential alliance shift involving the Congress or the BJP. Pawar also ruled out joining the NDA, indicating that his party would continue its association with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra and the INDIA bloc at the national level.

Speculation about a possible realignment had intensified following Pawar’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the senior leader rejected the reports of a potential merger between the two NCP factions or his party joining the NDA.

The executive committee meeting was attended by MPs, MLAs and party office-bearers from district and taluka levels. Discussions focused on drought conditions in Maharashtra, alleged corruption in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination process and disputes related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Pawar said the party had discussed the demands of drought-affected people and prepared memoranda to be submitted to the Maharashtra government. He said a core committee meeting had been held on Sunday to finalise the party’s expectations from the government.

“We do not want a conflict, but if our demands are not met, we will take to the streets in protest,” he said, adding that the party would press the government to address its demands within two to four days.

Highlighting the agrarian crisis, Pawar criticised the state government’s drought relief measures, saying the government resolution on the issue contained several shortcomings. He said he had written to the Chief Minister seeking corrections and urged the government to provide immediate assistance to affected people.

“We do not wish to take to the streets unnecessarily—our goal is to secure relief for the people. However, if assistance is not provided, the path to agitation remains open,” he said.

Pawar also referred to the role of the Central Government in drought management, recalling that during his tenure in the Union Cabinet, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had called a meeting to delegate powers for drought-related decisions to MPs without requiring prior Cabinet approval.

Recalling a visit to Jalna district, Pawar said he had learned that sweet lime, or mosambi, orchards had not previously received government assistance. He said he subsequently announced relief of Rs 25,000 per acre for sweet lime crops.

He also raised concerns about farmers who had defaulted on loans and were unable to secure fresh credit. Pawar said the government had declared 265 talukas drought-affected but had left out several areas, while banana crops had also not received assistance.

“These issues must be addressed,” he said, calling for measures to support farmers facing financial difficulties and crop losses.

During the meeting, Pawar also urged party leaders and workers to develop an understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI), saying the technology would have a growing role in political organisation, election management and public outreach.

“The present era belongs to Artificial Intelligence. You must understand AI,” he told party members, adding that training and facilities would be arranged free of cost in Baramati for interested workers and office-bearers.

Pawar referred to an AI institute established in Baramati and said the technology could help address various challenges in the future. He encouraged party members to study AI and understand how it could be used to strengthen the party’s organisational structure and election-related activities.

Referring to comments by party leader Jitendra Awhad on election processes, Pawar said AI and related tools were expected to be used in future elections. He said he had discussed the issue with the party president and stressed the need for the organisation to prepare for technological changes.

He advised party leaders and workers to read about AI, understand its applications and develop the capacity to adapt to emerging technologies.