Sharad Pawar explored joining NDA in 2022, says Shirsat; NCP (SP) dismisses claims as ‘baseless’

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat on Friday claimed that NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar explored the possibility of joining the BJP-led NDA in 2022, with discussions allegedly held over the possible allocation of ministerial portfolios. NCP (SP) politicians dismissed his claims as "baseless".Shirsat said that discussions about NCP (SP) joining NDA were held in 2022. "There were discussions on which portfolios should be taken. Talks had progressed to that level. That was the political arithmetic of that time," he said.However, he added that unless Pawar himself clarified over the issue, it would not be appropriate to comment further. "Whether discussions took place in the intervening period, or on what basis they were held, cannot be said until Sharad Pawar offers an explanation," Shirsat said.The claim comes amid renewed political developments following the death of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and speculation over a possible merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party factions, and whether Sharad Pawar would align with the NDA if such a merger materialised.Reacting strongly, NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde, while in Satara, dismissed Shirsat's claims as "baseless and politically motivated". Speaking to media, Shinde questioned the timing of the statement. "I don't understand how Shirsat suddenly remembers what happened in 2022 in 2026. Everyone seems to be following a fixed script," he said.Shinde argued that if Sharad Pawar intended to join the NDA, the NCP split would never have occurred. "If he had shown inclination to joining NDA, the party would not have split. All this talk about deciding ministers and portfolios is bogus and misleading," he said.