Maharashtra Congress president Harshawardhan Sapkal said, “This is something our central leadership will look into. If asked, I will convey my opinion to the central leadership, as I have done in the past.” File
| Photo Credit: ANI
There is no formal proposal yet for the merger of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) with the Congress, senior NCP (SP) leaders told The Hindu on Friday (June 12, 2026).
“Nobody has spoken about it yet with Sharad Pawar saheb or with [Baramati MP] Supriya Sule,” said a senior party leader.
While the Congress’s Maharashtra unit has refused comment on speculations about the merger, sources said a proposal to this effect has been in the pipeline for some time.
‘Party brass to take call’
When asked, Maharashtra Congress president Harshawardhan Sapkal said, “This is something our central leadership will look into. If asked, I will convey my opinion to the central leadership, as I have done in the past.”
NCP (SP) State president Shashikant Shinde dismissed the speculation as a “mere rumour”. He said the party had recently celebrated its foundation day and had decided to intensify its struggle against the Bharatiya Janata Party.
‘Sinking ship’
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded to the merger buzz by terming the Congress a “sinking ship”. “The Congress is a sinking ship. Nobody will step onto it. In politics, one doesn’t answer hypothetical questions. But let me tell you, if it happens, it will only strengthen us,” he said.
When reached for comment over Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s suggestion over the merger of the NCP (SP) and the Trinamool Congress with the grand old party, the Baramati MP termed it Mr. Raut’s personal opinion.
Later, while speaking to reporters, she said that the Shiv Sena (UBT) was like an “elder brother”, and her party would take note of his suggestion.
‘Congress not keen’
The State Congress leadership is said not to be in favour of the merger owing to the differences between the two parties.
“It will end up becoming a liability. We have an anti-Adani stance. For them, Adani is like a family member. There are internal issues within their party, and everyone is worried about the future of the NCP (SP),” said a senior Congress leader.
The leader added, “There are concerns about who the leader will be after Sharad Pawar. Different things are being speculated about as there is unrest within their party. There is fear that leaders and cadres might move to Sunetra Pawar or to the BJP.”
Published - June 13, 2026 03:35 am IST
Read the full article at The Hindu →📄Source document: AICC general secretary K C Venugopal
3 reports
Times of IndiaIndependentLeft5 days agoThe Congress party in India has indicated openness to reaccepting former members, according to AICC general secretary K C Venugopal. He stated that anyone who supports Congress ideology can return, though no formal merger proposals are currently being considered. The statement comes amid speculation about potential mergers with breakaway groups.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the Congress party's stance as welcoming those who align with its ideology, using terms like 'BJP-fascist forces' which carry ideological connotations. The emphasis on reacceptance of former members and opposition to BJP-aligned groups suggests a left-leaning framing.
Official sources cited
- organisation AICC general secretary K C Venugopal
The HinduIndependentCenter8 days agoSenior leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) stated there is no formal proposal yet for a merger with the Indian National Congress, despite ongoing speculation. Maharashtra Congress president Harshawardhan Sapkal indicated that any decision would be made by the central leadership. NCP (SP) State president Shashikant Shinde dismissed the rumors as baseless. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized the Congress, calling it a 'sinking ship.'
Bias read (Center): The article presents statements from multiple political figures without overtly favoring one side. It includes quotes from both NCP (SP) leaders and the opposition BJP-aligned chief minister, providing a balanced view of the situation without editorializing.
Official sources cited
- organisation Statement by Harshawardhan Sapkal, Maharashtra Congress President
- organisation Statement by Shashikant Shinde, NCP (SP) State President
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter11 days agoThe Trinamool Congress (TMC) has dismissed recent reports of a potential merger with the Indian National Congress as 'baseless.' According to sources, while no formal merger discussions are underway, both parties have kept the door open for a possible alliance and continue to engage on shared political interests. Rahul Gandhi and Abhishek Banerjee have discussed strengthening coordination between their parties, with plans to hold the next INDIA bloc meeting in Hyderabad. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh confirmed the merger rumors were inaccurate. Meanwhile, the TMC faces internal challenges, as
Bias read (Center): The article presents information from multiple sources without overtly favoring any side. It includes statements from both the TMC and Congress, providing a balanced view of the situation.
Official sources cited
- other People familiar with the matter
- other Jairam Ramesh
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