Shiv Sena Minister Alleges Sharad Pawar Explored NDA Alliance in 2022
In a significant political revelation, Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat claimed on Friday that Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar explored the possibility of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance back in 2022. The minister asserted that detailed discussions were allegedly held regarding the potential allocation of ministerial portfolios within the coalition government.
Minister Details Alleged 2022 Political Negotiations
Sanjay Shirsat, speaking from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, stated that substantial conversations about the NCP (SP) joining the NDA framework occurred during that period. "There were comprehensive discussions on which specific portfolios should be taken by the party. The talks had progressed to that advanced level of political negotiation," Shirsat explained, characterizing it as "the political arithmetic of that particular time."
However, the minister adopted a cautious tone regarding further commentary, emphasizing that "unless Sharad Pawar himself offers clarification on this matter, it would not be appropriate to comment further." He added that the precise basis and timing of these alleged discussions remain unclear without Pawar's personal explanation.
NCP (SP) Leaders Dismiss Claims as Politically Motivated
Reacting strongly to these allegations, NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde categorically dismissed Shirsat's claims as "completely baseless and politically motivated." Speaking to media representatives in Satara, Shinde questioned the timing of these revelations, asking "how Shirsat suddenly remembers events from 2022 in 2026." He suggested that "everyone appears to be following a predetermined political script."
Shinde presented a compelling counter-argument, stating that "if Sharad Pawar had genuinely shown any inclination toward joining the NDA, the party split would never have occurred in the first place." He characterized the portfolio allocation discussions as "entirely bogus and deliberately misleading to the public."
Political Context and Speculation
These claims emerge amid renewed political developments following the recent passing of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. There has been increasing speculation regarding a potential merger between the two Nationalist Congress Party factions, along with questions about whether Sharad Pawar would align with the NDA should such a merger materialize. The timing of these allegations has added fuel to ongoing political conversations about alliance formations and realignments within Maharashtra's complex political landscape.
The conflicting narratives highlight the deepening political divisions and strategic positioning ahead of potential electoral realignments. While Shirsat's claims suggest historical negotiation attempts, the NCP (SP)'s vehement denial underscores the sensitivity of alliance politics and the careful image management required by political parties navigating Maharashtra's volatile political environment.
