Pune: No Talks Of Pawar Reunion, Focus Is On Strengthening The Party: Jayant Patil
Pune, 9th June 2025: Amid swirling speculations over a possible reunion of both Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, senior leader and Maharashtra State President of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction), Jayant Patil, has dismissed any such ongoing dialogue. Speaking at an event in Pune, Patil firmly stated that no discussions regarding a merger or alliance are currently underway.
Patil was attending a seminar organized at the Vasantdada Sugar Institute, centered on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving sugarcane productivity. When asked about the much-talked-about “Pawar reunion,” he responded, “There is no question of going into political exile as some channels are claiming. We are actively working to expand our party’s presence across the state. We are learning from our past experiences in the Assembly elections and strengthening the organization accordingly.”
He further added that the party plans to undertake a statewide outreach initiative once the monsoon season and wedding engagements subside. “We will intensify our efforts across Maharashtra to build a stronger political base,” Patil affirmed.
On the growing buzz around a potential alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, Patil noted that such conversations are largely media-driven. “I have no information about whether they will come together or not. If Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Faction) wishes to include Raj Thackeray in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), it will be their internal decision. If his inclusion strengthens the alliance, it would be a positive development,” Patil commented, acknowledging Raj Thackeray as an influential political figure.
The NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) is set to celebrate its foundation day in Pune tomorrow (10th June). When questioned about the location, Patil explained, “Last year, the event was held in Ahilyanagar but was heavily affected by rain. Given the weather forecast this year, we decided to host it in Pune.”
Speaking about the upcoming local body elections, Patil confirmed that the party will contest under the banner of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.
When asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent article criticizing institutional bias in the election process, Patil remarked that the Election Commission should be the one to respond. “Instead, it is the BJP that’s reacting. There is no direct accusation against the BJP; the article merely raises questions about the conduct of the Election Commission. Unfortunately, it seems that spokespersons of the Election Commission are now doubling as BJP leaders,” he said, delivering a sharp jibe at the ruling party.
