Ajit Pawar responded to Sharad Pawar's statement and said, "Everyone has the right to express their opinion."

The ongoing speculation over a possible reunion between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) — led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar — appears to have hit a roadblock. A strong statement made by Sharad Pawar at a recent event in Pimpri-Chinchwad has seemingly shut the door on any reconciliation.

In his address, Sharad Pawar categorically said,

“We cannot take those who went with the BJP with us. We follow the ideology of Gandhi, Nehru, Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar. We cannot align with opportunists.” This remark, interpreted as a direct reference to his nephew Ajit Pawar, has stirred political discussions across Maharashtra, suggesting that the ideological gap between the two camps remains too wide to bridge.

Ajit Pawar Reacts: “Everyone Has a Right to an Opinion”

Responding to the remarks, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar chose a restrained and diplomatic tone. When asked for his reaction, he simply said: “Everyone has the right to express their opinion.” His brief statement reflects a measured response, possibly aimed at avoiding further escalation of tensions between the two factions.

Merger Talks All But Over?

Sharad Pawar’s comments have added weight to the speculation that there will be no coming together of the two NCP groups — especially in the run-up to key elections in Maharashtra. Political analysts suggest that these statements signal a clear ideological and political parting of ways between uncle and nephew. With both factions preparing to contest upcoming elections separately, the split in the NCP seems more permanent than ever.