Sanjay Raut Takes Dig at NCP (SP) Amid Buzz of Possible Merger with Ajit Pawar Faction
Mumbai, May 10 — Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a sharp attack on the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) amid internal discussions over a potential merger with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Raut asserted that, unlike others, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena does not compromise and believes in fighting for its principles.Raut Slams NCP Factions’ Proximity
In a pointed statement, Raut said leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) do not possess cooperative sugar factories or educational institutions, which he claimed have become platforms for NCP and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leaders to convene.Referring to a meeting of the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha held in Satara on Friday, which was attended by both Sharad Pawar and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Raut remarked, “They are already together.”
“Unlike them, our self-respecting position is not to join hands with those who broke our party, toppled our government, misused power and money, and stabbed Maharashtra in the back,” said Raut, recalling the 2022 split in Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.
BJP Accused of Backing Rebels
Raut accused the BJP of propping up both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, who he said betrayed their parties and damaged Maharashtra’s political integrity."The original Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray is clear in its ideology — we stay away from those who use Central agencies to threaten the opposition. We are fighters, not compromisers,” he added.
Pawar’s Stance: Two Views Within Party
Sharad Pawar, in a recent interview, acknowledged divergent opinions within his party. “One view is to reunite with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, while another believes in aligning with the INDIA bloc and avoiding any direct or indirect association with the BJP,” Pawar told The Indian Express.He clarified that meetings with Ajit Pawar were not political in nature but connected to educational institutions and other non-political collaborations.
Supriya Sule Distances Herself from Merger Talk
NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Friday distanced herself from speculation about a potential merger, stating she had not discussed the matter with either her father or state party chief Jayant Patil. Sule has decided to continue in the Opposition in Parliament.While Raut emphasized that he harboured no personal grievances against Sharad Pawar, his remarks underscored Shiv Sena (UBT)'s firm stand against any form of alliance with defectors or the BJP.