Sharad Pawar Avoids NCP-SP Split Speculation; Supriya Sule Denies NDA Alliance Talks

Baramati, Maharashtra, July 18, 2026: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar on Saturday declined to comment on reports suggesting a possible split within the party, saying, "That's not the subject to talk about right now."

His response comes amid growing political speculation following recent meetings involving leaders from both the ruling NCP faction and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) camp.

Meanwhile, NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule firmly rejected reports claiming that the party was exploring an alliance, merger, or backchannel negotiations with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

In a post on X, Sule clarified that neither she nor the party had held any official discussions with the media regarding the issue of parliamentary delimitation. She stated that the party's position on matters of constitutional importance would be decided only after detailed internal consultations and discussions with its INDIA bloc allies.

Sule also said it would be premature to comment on any proposal until the Central Government formally introduces the revised Delimitation Bill in Parliament. She added that media reports attributing a fixed stand to the party were speculative and without any official basis.

Rumours Gain Momentum After Mumbai Meetings

The speculation intensified after reports of late-night meetings in Mumbai involving NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil, ruling NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

However, leaders from the NCP (SP) maintained that the meetings were purely administrative and had no connection with any political realignment or merger.

Political observers have also speculated that the NDA may be seeking support from Sharad Pawar's faction to strengthen its numbers for the proposed Lok Sabha Constituency Delimitation Bill. No official confirmation has been made regarding such discussions.

Pawar Raises Farm Loan Waiver Issue

Apart from addressing political developments, Sharad Pawar urged the Maharashtra government to implement its promised farm loan waiver within the announced timeline.

He said that ensuring farmers remain debt-free should be the government's priority and added that his party would support the loan waiver if implemented. However, he warned that if the promise was not fulfilled, the NCP (SP) would launch a statewide agitation.

Responding to the issue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state government had implemented the largest farm loan waiver scheme in Maharashtra's history by increasing the loan waiver limit to ₹2 lakh.

He also stated that farmers who had previously benefited under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Loan Waiver Scheme but later became loan defaulters had been included in the revised scheme for the first time.