Sharad Pawar clarifies NCP's stance on merger; Congress protests Gyanesh Kumar nationwide

The political landscape in Maharashtra saw significant developments on Monday, September 28, 2026, with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar making a definitive statement regarding the party's future amidst ongoing merger discussions. Concurrently, the Indian National Congress launched nationwide protests targeting Gyanesh Kumar, with specific demonstrations reported in Nagpur, where an election is currently underway.

Nationalist Congress Party's Future and Alliance Discussions

Sharad Pawar, a leader within the Nationalist Congress Party, issued a clear statement on Monday, asserting his faction's position amid ongoing discussions concerning the party's potential merger and its alignment with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). According to ABP Majha, Pawar stated, "We are not going anywhere, if you want to come, come with us." This declaration has sparked new discussions within political circles, as reported by ABP Majha.

Pawar's remarks were made in the context of ongoing deliberations about the Nationalist Congress Party's future direction. These discussions have encompassed two primary areas: the possibility of a merger involving different factions of the NCP, and the question of whether the party would ultimately join the National Democratic Alliance. ABP Majha indicated that Pawar's statement aimed to clarify his stance on these critical issues, providing a definitive position from his side of the party.

Further elaborating on the party's internal dynamics, Shashi Kant Shinde, who serves as the state president of the Nationalist Congress Party, also addressed the issue of a potential merger. According to ABP Majha, Shinde specifically called upon the faction of the NCP associated with Sunetra Pawar, urging them to merge with Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party. Shinde emphasized that such a unification should be predicated on a single, unifying issue. This statement from the state president underscores the continued efforts and discussions aimed at consolidating the various segments of the Nationalist Congress Party.

In response to Sharad Pawar's statement, a state president from another faction of the Nationalist Congress Party offered their perspective. This unnamed state president, as reported by ABP Majha, indicated that the full meaning and implications of Sharad Pawar's recent remarks would become apparent and understood over the passage of time. Furthermore, this state president affirmed their faction's commitment to its existing political alliance, stating that they would remain with the National Democratic Alliance. This response highlights the differing viewpoints and strategic alignments that continue to characterize the various factions within the broader Nationalist Congress Party.

Congress Protests Against Gyanesh Kumar

In a separate development on Monday, the Indian National Congress initiated a series of protests across the country. These demonstrations were specifically directed against Gyanesh Kumar, according to ABP Majha. The nationwide campaign by the Congress party saw activists and members participating in various locations to voice their opposition.

Among the cities where these protests took place, Nagpur was specifically highlighted by ABP Majha. Demonstrations were held in Nagpur, a city where an election is currently underway. The presence of these protests in an electoral setting suggests a concerted effort by the Congress to bring their grievances against Gyanesh Kumar to public attention during a significant political event. The precise nature of the allegations or reasons for the protests against Gyanesh Kumar were not detailed in the available reports, but the widespread and coordinated nature of the demonstrations indicates a significant political action by the Indian National Congress.

The protests across the country, including the one in Nagpur, underscore the Congress party's intent to mobilize its cadre and public opinion against Gyanesh Kumar. The timing of the Nagpur protest, coinciding with an ongoing election, could be seen as an effort by the Congress to amplify its message in a politically sensitive environment. The coordinated nature of these protests suggests a unified strategy by the Indian National Congress to press its agenda on a national scale.

Political Implications and Outlook

The statements from Sharad Pawar and other Nationalist Congress Party leaders on Monday provide a clearer, though still evolving, picture of the party's internal dynamics and its future trajectory. Sharad Pawar's firm declaration that his faction is not departing, coupled with an invitation for others to join them, sets a distinct tone amidst the ongoing discussions about mergers and alliances. This position contrasts with the other faction's stated commitment to the National Democratic Alliance, indicating continued divergence within the party's broader structure.

The call by state president Shashi Kant Shinde for Sunetra Pawar's faction to merge with Sharad Pawar's NCP on a single issue further emphasizes the internal efforts to achieve unity or at least define clearer lines of allegiance within the various segments of the party. The response from the state president of the other NCP faction, suggesting that the true meaning of Pawar's words will unfold over time, highlights the complex nature of the political maneuvering currently underway. This suggests that while positions have been stated, the ultimate resolution or outcome of these internal party discussions remains a subject of future developments.

Meanwhile, the nationwide protests by the Indian National Congress against Gyanesh Kumar represent a significant political mobilization. The fact that these protests spanned across various parts of the country signals a broad-based opposition. The specific mention of Nagpur, where an election is currently taking place, suggests a strategic decision by the Congress to amplify its message in a politically sensitive environment. The protests collectively indicate a determined effort by the Congress party to highlight its concerns and garner public support against the individual targeted.

The events of Monday, September 28, 2026, collectively paint a picture of active political engagement in Maharashtra and across India. The Nationalist Congress Party continues to navigate complex internal discussions regarding its identity, leadership, and alliance strategies, with key leaders articulating their positions. Simultaneously, a major national party, the Indian National Congress, is actively engaged in widespread public demonstrations, signaling its intent to influence public opinion on specific issues and against particular individuals. These developments suggest an ongoing period of political developments and strategic positioning by various parties and leaders.