# Sharad Pawar rules out NCP merger, says party will stay independent 2026-09-28T21:06:33+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 3 independent outlets Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday put an end to months of speculation by ruling out any merger with the NCP faction led by Sunetra Pawar or a shift to the BJP-led NDA. Addressing party leaders and workers in Mumbai, Pawar said his party would not join anyone else and would instead strengthen itself and fight as an independent political organisation. "We will not go with anyone, we will strengthen our party," he said, adding that those who wish to support his party should join it. The comments came amid persistent rumours of a political realignment in Maharashtra, after Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July. The Times of India reports that Pawar's remarks appeared to signal that any reunion would require the rival faction to join his party. The Hindu reports that the NCP(SP) leadership also discussed drought relief, with Pawar criticising the state government's decision to declare drought in only 265 talukas and vowing to protest if demands are not met. India TV notes that Pawar reaffirmed his party's secular character. The meeting also discussed the use of artificial intelligence in politics. ## Indian Opinion Analysis All three outlets reported the same core statement from Sharad Pawar rejecting a merger, making this uniform straight reporting. The Times of India and The Hindu added political context and quoted party workers' relief, while India TV led with the secular party label. With no substantive framing differences, the story is notable for how firmly Pawar closed the door on a reunion that had been widely speculated since his meeting with PM Modi. The next test will be whether the rival NCP faction responds or continues its alliance with the BJP in Maharashtra. ## Coverage - indiatvnews.com (neutral report) Leads with Pawar's secular party label, straight factual report - timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) Leads with independent party fight, adds political context - thehindu.com (neutral report) Leads with end to speculation, includes cadre reaction and drought issues Tags: Maharashtra, NCP, NDA, Sharad Pawar, Sunetra Pawar Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/sharad-pawar-rules-out-ncp-merger-says-party-will-stay-independent/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/sharad-pawar-rules-out-ncp-merger-says-party-will-stay-independent/#story-in-brief