📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare
Politics
Sharad Pawar Rules Out NDA Move, Orders NCP(SP) Workers to Rebuild from Opposition Bench
✍️ lokmattimes.com
🗓 17 Aug 2026, 04:18 PM
👁 1
NCP chief Sharad Pawar has dismissed rumors of a coalition with the NDA, telling party members to focus on rebuilding their presence from opposition benches.
Sharad Pawar, the long‑time leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), addressed party workers in a meeting held in New Delhi, where speculation had been growing about a possible alliance with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NCP chief made it clear that the party had no intention of joining the NDA and that any such rumors were unfounded.
In his speech, Pawar urged NCP(SP) cadres to concentrate on strengthening the party’s base from the opposition benches. He emphasized that the NCP’s future strategy would involve consolidating its presence in states where it currently holds minority representation.
Pawar’s directive signals a clear stance on the party’s political alignment, reinforcing its independent identity separate from the NDA’s coalition framework. He also highlighted the importance of grassroots mobilization and voter outreach as key tools for rebuilding the party’s electoral strength.
The announcement comes ahead of upcoming state elections, where the NCP’s performance will be closely watched. Pawar’s focus on rebuilding from opposition benches suggests a long‑term plan to regain influence in key constituencies.
In his speech, Pawar urged NCP(SP) cadres to concentrate on strengthening the party’s base from the opposition benches. He emphasized that the NCP’s future strategy would involve consolidating its presence in states where it currently holds minority representation.
Pawar’s directive signals a clear stance on the party’s political alignment, reinforcing its independent identity separate from the NDA’s coalition framework. He also highlighted the importance of grassroots mobilization and voter outreach as key tools for rebuilding the party’s electoral strength.
The announcement comes ahead of upcoming state elections, where the NCP’s performance will be closely watched. Pawar’s focus on rebuilding from opposition benches suggests a long‑term plan to regain influence in key constituencies.