New Delhi. Prominent Maharashtra leader Sharad Pawar claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, many regional parties will come closer to the Congress, while some may even merge with it. He hinted at a possible reorganization in the opposition camp in the coming times. In an interview with The Indian Express, Pawar said that in the next two years, various regional parties will work more closely with the Congress. He predicted that some regional parties may merge with the Congress keeping in mind their interests. Asked whether the same standard would apply to his party NCP (Nationalist Congress Party), Pawar said he did not see any difference between Congress and NCP, adding that they were ideologically in line with the ideas of Gandhi and Nehru.
Regarding the merger of other parties with Congress, Sharad Pawar said that he cannot say anything about the process of merger of regional parties with Congress without discussing with his colleagues. He stressed that his party is ideologically close to the Congress but any decision regarding his party will be taken collectively. Pawar expressed difficulty in establishing rapport with Prime Minister Modi or understanding his ideologies.
Sharad Pawar’s statements assume significance in the context of regional parties like Samajwadi Party, RJD, LJP, VSRCP, TDP and BTP undergoing leadership change. These regional parties are battling allegations of corruption or nepotism, making their survival challenging. Therefore, these parties feel the need to come under one big umbrella to fight for their survival.
Shiv Sena President Sharad Pawar also commented positively on Uddhav and said that Uddhav Thackeray is ready to work together with like-minded parties. Pawar mentioned his recent experience with Thackeray’s way of thinking and said that they share similar ideologies.