Sharad Pawar rejects NCP merger rumors and threatens drought relief protests

Sharad Pawar, leader of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), has addressed ongoing political speculation regarding a potential merger with the NCP faction led by Sunetra Pawar. During a meeting of senior leaders and officials in Pune, Pawar explicitly rejected any possibility of merging with the other faction or joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Pawar stated that his party will not merge with any other organization to gain power, emphasizing instead that the focus will remain on strengthening the party's independent political identity and organizational structure. He called on workers to strengthen their presence on the ground to fight political battles independently.

In addition to addressing the merger rumors, Pawar criticized the state government over the issue of drought relief. He warned that if the demands of farmers and those affected by drought are not met, the NCP (SP) will launch street protests and movements to demand necessary assistance for the affected regions.