Mumbai, June 12: The political climate in Maharashtra is buzzing with discussions about the potential merger of smaller parties into Congress. In this context, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis labeled Congress a “sinking ship.” He stated that even if opposition parties merge with Congress, the biggest beneficiary would be the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
During a press conference marking the 12th anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, CM Fadnavis targeted opposition parties and their leaders. He clarified his stance on the merger talks, humorously remarking, “Abdullah is crazy about someone else’s wedding.”
Without naming Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, he criticized those initiating discussions who are neither associated with Congress nor the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He emphasized that regional party leaders are savvy enough not to board a sinking ship. “Congress is a sinking ship, and I don’t think regional parties will want to tie their future to it,” he asserted.
Fadnavis also mentioned that if opposition parties merge with Congress, it would not harm the BJP. Instead, it would create more political opportunities for the BJP. “If they merge, it benefits us, not harms us. The more the opposition loses its distinct identity, the more political space opens up for the BJP. For now, we are following a ‘wait and see’ policy.”
Recently, speculation has intensified regarding some regional parties joining Congress. Sanjay Raut publicly urged opposition parties to merge with Congress to form a stronger front.
Meanwhile, discussions about the NCP (SP) merging with Congress gained momentum during the party’s 27th foundation day. This debate was further fueled when Congress MLA and senior leader Nana Patole claimed that a merger proposal had already been submitted by the NCP (SP).
Patole told the media, “A merger proposal from Sharad Pawar was sent to Congress earlier, but progress stalled for various reasons. The process of uniting ideologically similar parties is underway, and Trinamool Congress and NCP (SP) are also considering this direction.”
However, NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde dismissed these claims, stating that no such proposal had been received from Congress, nor had any discussions taken place within the party.
In a recent meeting at Sharad Pawar’s Mumbai residence, ‘Silver Oak,’ the merger issue was not on the agenda.
Responding to Sanjay Raut’s comments, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule adopted a balanced stance. She stated that Raut expresses his views for the country’s benefit and that everyone has the right to voice their opinions in a democracy. His suggestions will certainly be considered.
On the other hand, BJP leaders seized the opportunity to criticize the opposition. Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra government minister Chandrakant Patil described Congress as a weak party, asserting that people will ultimately turn to the BJP for better options. He claimed that there is no strong competition for the BJP from village councils to the Lok Sabha and that the party will play a significant role in politics for the next 20 to 25 years.
BJP leader and Maharashtra government minister Girish Mahajan humorously remarked on the potential merger, saying, “The duo of Rahul Gandhi and Sharad Pawar will be fantastic. A strong opposition is necessary in democracy, but currently, the opposition is hardly visible in the state.”
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