‘Not merger, welcome individuals willing to fight the BJP’: Maharashtra Congress tells party high-command

For more than a week now, Maharashtra’s political circle is abuzz with the possibility of merger between Congress and NCP-SP led by Sharad Pawar.

Following the six Lok Sabha MPs of Shiv Sena (UBT) rebelled to join ruling Shiv Sena of Eknath Shinde, the pressure is mounting on Opposition NCP-SP which has 8 Lok Sabha MPs may turn out to be a key force in case the center attempts to move important bills in upcoming session of the parliament. Reports of a merger between two parties have been making rounds since then.

According to a senior Congress functionary, the opposition to the possible merger is on two to three counts. “First of all, the issue of merger comes up whenever there is a split in other parties. A section of Congress leaders conveyed that, “Congress cannot and should not be taken for granted in such a scenario,” he said. He pointed out that the recent round of buzz surrounding the merger is after the collapse of Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT).

Secondly, the Congress central leadership was told that instead of merger, those who are individually willing to come and work with the party should be welcomed and prioritised. “We are of the opinion that the intent and vigour to fight the BJP is important. What if some unwilling leaders quit after the merger just months before polls? It would be portrayed as a setback to Congress, affecting poll momentum,” another party leader said.

Thirdly, the extra-cordial relationship between Pawars and Adani is also one issue that remains unaddressed, pointing out recent incidents where NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MP and Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule called businessman Gautam Adani as her elder brother. “Will that stop or continue, in case of a merger?” the leader asked.

According to party insiders, Sapkal was asked about his opinion on merger by Rahul Gandhi where he has clearly opposed the same.

The merger talks gained momentum after Rahul Gandhi attended the wedding of Sule’s daughter Revati in Mumbai.