Following the disappointing results in the assembly election, there is speculation about the possibility of some NCP (SP) MPs supporting the NDA and potentially joining the faction led by Ajit Pawar.
Reports suggest that seven MPs from NCP (SP) have been invited to join the NDA, with Sunil Tatkare, the MP from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, playing a key role in initiating these talks. The aim is to strengthen the NDA’s hold and destabilise the NCP (SP).
However, all seven MPs have rejected the offer, confirming their loyalty to NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar, according to sources. They have informed Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, about the approach. Sule, visibly upset, contacted NCP (Ajit Pawar) leader Praful Patel and expressed her concerns, questioning whether he was once again attempting to break her party.
In a related development, Amar Kale, an NCP (SP) MP from Wardha, stated that Sonia Dhuhan, a former NCP leader now aligned with the Congress, had played a mediating role in attempting to persuade him to join the NDA for the development of his constituency and for better political prospects.
The claims about Tatkare’s efforts to sway MPs stirred strong reactions from the NCP (SP) faction. Rohit Pawar, the MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed, said that no MPs from their faction were considering switching sides, emphasising their respect for Sharad Pawar. He implied that Tatkare’s actions appeared to be in conflict with Ajit Pawar’s leadership, and questioned whether Tatkare’s dealings were personal rather than party-driven
Jeetendra Awhad, another NCP (SP) leader, dismissed the rumours, saying they were being spread to create confusion and disillusionment within the party. He reaffirmed that all NCP (SP) MPs remained loyal to Sharad Pawar.
Tatkare denied all allegations, issuing a statement to clarify that he had not made any attempts to reach out to anyone, nor had he made any phone calls to MPs. He also denied claims about Dhuhan’s involvement, stating she was no longer a member of the NCP and therefore, he would not comment on her actions.
Tatkare further remarked that any discussions held in Delhi were simply casual exchanges during various events, and there was no effort to contact MPs directly. He expressed confidence that in due time, he would clarify the truth about any attempts made by the NCP to align with the BJP between 2014 and 2024.
