Pune, Jan 9 (NationPress) With the municipal corporation elections heating up across Maharashtra, Supriya Sule, the working president of the Nationalist Congress Party-SP and a Member of Parliament, finally addressed the alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad on Friday. She emphasized that this coalition between the two factions stemmed from collective teamwork at the grassroots level.

Sule also tackled rumors regarding the surprising 'reunion' and clarified the party's future direction concerning the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This partnership between the NCP-SP and the Ajit Pawar faction has sparked curiosity about how the two previously opposing factions united. According to Sule, this decision was born out of local dynamics.

“It was the will of the workers. Many candidates and party members on the field showed a desire to collaborate. This alliance is a product of local teamwork,” she elaborated.

The Pune alliance has ignited speculation about a potential broader political transformation. Political insiders are buzzing with theories that after the municipal elections, Sharad Pawar’s faction might align with the NDA.

Reports have even indicated that Supriya Sule could be considered for a Union Minister position, while Rohit Pawar may obtain a ministerial role in the state cabinet.

When questioned about these speculations, Sule maintained her composure, stating, “I have observed these discussions in WhatsApp groups, but I do not dwell on them. Why should I focus on matters outside my current responsibilities? I prefer to stay grounded in reality.”

She further noted that in a robust democracy, citizens have the right to voice their opinions.

“People will converse, and we must heed the sentiments of our workers. However, my concentration remains on fulfilling my duties,” she asserted.

Addressing ongoing speculation regarding her possible entry into the Central Cabinet—a topic that has emerged repeatedly over the past decade—Sule reaffirmed her commitment to her constituents. She remarked that she has been hearing such discussions for over 11 years and highlighted the trust placed in her by the people of Baramati.

Her primary focus, she stated, is on addressing essential infrastructure challenges in her constituency and fulfilling the mandate for which she was elected to Delhi. “While discussions persist, we must continue our work. My foremost responsibility is to those who voted for me,” she added.

Sule’s comments followed a statement from Sunil Tatkare, Maharashtra NCP president and MP, who mentioned that while he does not personally oppose a merger with the Ajit Pawar faction, any such decision would be made collectively by party leadership.

Tatkare elaborated on the potential merger between the two factions, along with the strategic shift of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP after joining the NDA. He defended the decision to align with the NDA, stating that this move had been under internal review for years.

“We have faced criticism for this role and continue to do so, but we remain steadfast in our choice to stay with the NDA,” he concluded.