‘Chapter closed with Ajit Pawar’s demise’: Supriya Sule rules out NCP merger

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) working president and Baramati MP Supriya Sule has ruled out any merger talks between the two NCP factions, putting an end to speculation over a possible political reunion in Maharashtra. In an emotional statement, Sule said the issue was closed for her following the death of her brother and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Sule dismissed reports of ongoing discussions between the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and the rival faction headed by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.

"No proposal regarding merger has been received by us," she said.

Explaining her position, Sule added, "My brother is gone, and on that very day, the subject of the merger ended for me. I have not received any proposal, so I have no information about what merger is being discussed. No one has spoken to me about this."

She acknowledged that Ajit Pawar had initiated discussions to reunite the two factions before his death. Referring to a video dated January 17, 2026, showing a conversation between the brothers at Govindbaug in Baramati, Sule said the interaction was already in the public domain and had never been concealed. However, she maintained that his death had brought the process to an end.

Supriya Sule On Sharad Pawar's Meetings With NCP Leaders

Downplaying speculation surrounding recent meetings between leaders of the rival NCP faction and Sharad Pawar, Sule said such visits were not unusual.

"Even after the split, several MLAs, ministers, and leaders have continued to visit Pawar Saheb. There is nothing new or unusual about such courtesy calls," she said.

Asked about meetings between some NCP leaders and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Sule declined to comment, describing them as an internal matter of the other party.

"Who meets whom and for what reason is their personal and internal matter. I will not comment on it," she said.

Why NCP Merger Speculation Gained Momentum

Sule's remarks come after a week of intense political speculation in Maharashtra, fuelled by statements from leaders of both factions and a series of high-profile meetings.

NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare had recently claimed that merger discussions were actively underway when Ajit Pawar was alive. He also said the merger would have taken place in February had Ajit Pawar not died in a plane crash.

Speculation gathered pace after Sharad Pawar was hospitalised. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called to enquire about his health, followed two days later by a visit from senior NCP leader Praful Patel. Ajit Pawar's son and MP Parth Pawar subsequently visited Sharad Pawar's Mumbai residence, Silver Oak, on two consecutive days, fuelling talk of backchannel negotiations.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar also added to the uncertainty when she was asked about a possible reunion on Wednesday in Pune. Avoiding a direct answer, she said, "As time comes, you will all come to know about everything."

However, Sule's latest statement has drawn a clear line under the merger speculation, indicating that the NCP (SP) leadership is not considering political reconciliation at present.

(With IANS inputs)