Maharashtra Congress leader's remarks spark speculation over NCP-SP's plans

Are NCP-SP leaders pushing their party leadership to be part of NDA so that they can share power in the Maharashtra government? The Sharad Pawar faction of NCP has denied the development, claiming they would remain in the Opposition. However, Congress is not convinced as a senior Maharashtra Congress leader has stirred the pot by claiming that NCP-SP is likely to join the BJP-led government.

"There is no point in discussing it today. But surely, talks are going on between them. We have to see which path is convenient for them (NCP-SP) -- ideological or the convenient one (joining the government). Do they want power or do they want to safeguard progressive movement in the state? Will they safeguard the ideology of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Shahu, Phule or do they want money, power, ministerial berths or property? It is their take," said Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar.

Wadettiwar's comments come in the backdrop of alleged meetings between NCP-SP leader Jayant Patil and Vinod Tawde of BJP. There has been discussion within NCP-SP that the party should either merge with Congress or join the BJP government. There aren't many takers within NCP-SP to merge with Congress. On the reports of her party joining hands with BJP, Supriya Sule said: "I have been hearing this for the last 12 years."


She said that even if Patil and Tawde met, it does not mean much. "I am not aware of any meeting. However, Tawde and I also have met multiple times as we are in a joint parliamentary committee. I don't take such reports seriously," she said.

She took on BJP saying, "This government has not even spared lord Ram. There has been corruption in the Ram temple too. If things remain the same way, then in 2029 we will have to fight to come to power. For, if these people still have power, then God knows what they would do."

Meanwhile, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was in New Delhi, refuted claims that NCP-SP would join NDA. "There will be no more inclusion to NDA in Maharashtra," he said.