Kolhapur: State medical education minister Hasan Mushrif of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday expressed surprise over statements from NCP (SP) politicians ruling out a merger, especially given their earlier active pursuit of the same. Mushrif was responding to NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde's assertion that discussions on a merger had ceased and that their party would continue under Sharad Pawar's leadership.
Mushrif's Reaction
“They were the ones repeatedly pushing for the merger. Now, suddenly saying it will not happen has left us surprised. I don't understand the reason behind this change of stance. Talks were ongoing from their side, so their abrupt halt appears suspicious. Ajit Pawar always supported the merger, and I have said this earlier as well. Now, however, they have applied brakes on the process,” Mushrif said.
The minister stated that his party would continue focusing on strengthening itself. “NCP is safe under the leadership of Sunetra Pawar. We are committed to making the party stronger and more united, and restoring the dominance it once had under Ajit Pawar,” he asserted.
Internal Differences to Be Resolved
Addressing reports of internal differences within the party, Mushrif downplayed the issue, describing it as temporary. “There were some misunderstandings, but they will be resolved soon. Within a week, this issue will settle,” he said.
The minister also clarified that MP Sunil Tatkare's recent remarks about not entering the party through the “back door” were not directed at anyone in particular. He added that party MLAs' recent meeting with Sharad Pawar was driven by respect for the leader. “All 42 MLAs, MPs and workers across the state are with Sunetra Pawar,” Mushrif emphasized.
Objection to Shiv Sena Leader's Remarks
Responding to Shiv Sena politician Sanjay Shirsat's claim that NCP was on the verge of a split, Mushrif strongly objected and said he would escalate the issue. “Every Tuesday, the Mahayuti coordination committee meets. In the last meeting, I expressed my displeasure about Shirsat's remarks before Uday Samant and Dada Bhuse. How can he speak on whatever happens within our party? Despite that, he repeated such statements. We will raise this issue again with (Sena chief deputy chief minister) Eknath Shinde in the upcoming meeting,” Mushrif said.
On 'Cockroach Janata Party' Movement
Mushrif acknowledged the growing support for the online 'Cockroach Janata Party' movement, saying it reflected anger among educated unemployed youth. “The movement has gained massive support, which cannot be denied. It stems from anger after a senior individual referred to unemployed graduates as cockroaches. I am, however, confident that chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will address their concerns,” he said.
He also drew comparisons with Tamil Nadu politics, noting the rise of film personalities. “What happened in Tamil Nadu was unexpected. Film star Vijay performed beyond expectations and even became the chief minister. Such a scenario is unlikely in Maharashtra due to strong grassroots party structures,” Mushrif added.
NCP Stakes Claim to Three MLC Seats
Speaking on the upcoming legislative council (MLC) elections, Mushrif said NCP had demanded three of the 17 seats going to polls. “We have sought Pune and Raigad-Ratnagiri constituencies, which we won last time, along with Parbhani-Hingoli. These are strongholds for NCP, and we are confident of winning all three if allotted,” he said.
