Creating parties, merging them with Congress is Pawar’s habit: Fadnavis

Ruling Mahayuti partners BJP, Shinde Sena and Ajit’s NCP hit out at NCP SP) chief’s remark that regional parties may merge with the grand old party in long run

- KALPESH MHAMUNKAR

Amid the intriguing polling scenario, Sharad Pawar's statement that there is a high probability of many regional parties merging with the Congress in the coming years has elicited sharp responses from the ruling Mahayuti partners, including the BJP, Shinde Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP.

In an interview to an English newspaper, NCP (SP) chief Sharad remarked that in the next couple of years, several regional parties will associate more closely with the Congress or may look at the option of merger with it if they believe that is best for their party. He said that even Uddhav Thackeray is positive...about working together (with like-minded parties).

Exuding confidence that his daughter Supriya Sule will defeat his nephew Ajit's wife in Baramati seat, Sharad asserted that many parties don't like the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.