Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) Working President and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule on 13 June categorically dismissed speculation about a merger between NCP (SP) and the Indian National Congress (INC), stating that no such proposal had been made or received by either side. Her denial came amid heightened political activity ahead of the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections.

What Sule Said

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Sule said no one had contacted any MLA, MP, or any other party functionary, nor had her party reached out to anyone. She said she had no idea where the discussion originated or who started it.

She further clarified that NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had neither received a merger proposal from the Congress nor extended one to them. 'No proposal has been given by or sent to Sharad Pawar,' she said.

On Mamata-Sonia Meeting

Sule was also asked about national-level speculation regarding the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) potentially aligning more closely under the Congress umbrella. She declined to speculate, noting that TMC chief Mamata Banerjee had recently held a private meeting with former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, but said she was not privy to their internal dialogue.

She said only the two leaders were present at that meeting and she had not read anything definitive about any merger outcome from it. This comes amid broader discussions within the INDIA bloc about coordination among Opposition parties ahead of state elections.

Sule's Focus: National Crises Over Coalition Politics

When asked whether a merger of secular, like-minded regional parties was a viable option given the current political climate, Sule redirected the conversation to what she described as pressing national crises. She argued that the country's economic, political, and social situation was in poor shape and that this was not the time for political manoeuvring.

She highlighted inflation, rising unemployment, widespread corruption, and frequent paper leaks — including the ongoing NEET exam crisis — as the critical issues demanding attention. She said the country needed to decide whether it wanted to keep fighting internally or focus on solving these problems.

In a pointed jibe at the ruling coalition, Sule said citizens and farmers were deeply distressed and that the Opposition's responsibility was to support them. She added that her party had never engaged in breaking families or splitting political parties, and would never do so.

Rohit Pawar's Hunger Strike for Farmers

NCP (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar is currently on a hunger strike demanding justice for farmers and a complete agricultural loan waiver. Sule expressed concern about his health given the intense summer heat but praised his resolve.

She said she had initially urged him not to go on a hunger strike, noting they were up against what she described as a 'highly insensitive government' and needed to conserve their strength. However, she said his dedication and love for farmers drove him to take the step. Despite fasting for over 24 hours in harsh weather conditions, Rohit Pawar continued to lead the farmers' rights campaign, she said, adding that she was 'immensely proud' of his efforts.

With the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections drawing closer, the Opposition's internal dynamics and cohesion will remain under close scrutiny in the weeks ahead.