Supriya Sule Rules Out NDA Tie-Up, Says NCP(SP) Focused on Independent Political Path

Mumbai, July 2026 : Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule on Friday dismissed speculation about her party joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), firmly stating that there have been no discussions with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or any alliance partner regarding a political realignment in Maharashtra.

Her remarks come amid intense political buzz following recent meetings involving senior leaders from different parties, sparking rumours of possible shifts in the state’s political landscape. The speculation gained momentum after NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while reports also emerged of a meeting between senior NCP(SP) leader Jayant Patil and BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde. Political observers further suggested that some legislators within the Sharad Pawar-led faction were unhappy with the party’s current direction.

Addressing a press conference, Sule categorically rejected these claims and said the reports were based purely on speculation.

“Nobody is talking to us, and we are not talking to anyone. There has been no discussion whatsoever about joining hands with the BJP or becoming part of the NDA. These stories exist only in newspapers and television channels,” she said.

The Baramati MP also took a light-hearted dig at the recurring rumours surrounding her party. Quoting her father and veteran leader Sharad Pawar, she remarked that frequent political speculation often reflects continued relevance in public life.

“My father always says that if people continue talking about you—whether positively or negatively—it means your political value remains intact,” Sule said with a smile. “For several years now, I have repeatedly seen reports claiming I am about to take oath or join a government. Such speculation has become quite routine.”

Sule also rejected allegations made by senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan that several NCP(SP) legislators were unhappy within the party.

She asserted that there was complete unity among party leaders and elected representatives.

“All our MPs remain in constant touch with one another. We meet regularly, discuss organisational issues and political strategies, and there is absolutely no dissatisfaction within the party,” she said, dismissing reports of internal discord.

On the possibility of a reunion between the Sharad Pawar-led faction and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, Sule made it clear that such discussions were no longer on the table.

She acknowledged that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had earlier expressed his desire for a reunion and that informal conversations had taken place in the past. However, she said circumstances had changed.

“That chapter is now closed. We have chosen our path, and they have chosen theirs. At present, there are no talks regarding a merger or reunification of the two NCP factions,” she stated.

Earlier this week, Sule had also played down reports surrounding Jayant Patil’s alleged meeting with BJP leader Vinod Tawde. While she said she could not confirm whether such a meeting had taken place, she emphasised that interactions between leaders of different political parties were common due to parliamentary committee work and administrative responsibilities.

She pointed out that she herself frequently meets BJP leaders, including Tawde, during committee meetings in Parliament and government forums. Over the past month alone, she said, she had attended more than 20 such meetings involving leaders from various political parties, including the BJP, stressing that these interactions should not be interpreted as political negotiations.

Looking ahead to the state’s political future, Sule said her party remained committed to serving the people and strengthening its organisation. While avoiding predictions about electoral outcomes, she hinted that the NCP(SP) and its allies were preparing for a strong political contest if public dissatisfaction with the current government continued to grow.

“People have been speculating about our future for more than a decade,” she said. “Our focus is on working for the people. If the present style of governance continues, we and our allies will fight strongly to earn the people’s mandate and return to power.”

Sule’s remarks are expected to put to rest, at least for now, the speculation over a possible political realignment involving the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to pursuing its independent political course in Maharashtra.