Many regional parties may merge with Congress after 2024 polls: Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar believes that after the conclusion of the 2024 parliamentary elections, several regional parties may move closer or some may merge with the Congress as he shared a glimpse of how opposition politics might shape up after the polls.

Speaking to the Indian Express newspaper, Pawar said that the disdain towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi will drive the regional parties closer to Congress.

"In the next couple of years, several regional parties will associate more closely with the Congress. Or they may look at the option of merging with the Congress if they believe that is the best for their party,” he was quoted as saying.

When asked if his party would also consider merging with Congress, Pawar indicated the possibility of such a situation, considering that both parties belong to the Gandhi, Nehru line of thinking.

“I don’t see any difference between the Congress and us….Ideologically, we belong to the Gandhi, Nehru line of thinking,” Pawar told Indian Express on May 4.

“I am not saying anything now…Without consulting colleagues, I shouldn’t say anything. Ideologically, we are close to them (the Congress) — any decision on strategy or the next steps will be taken collectively. It is difficult to adjust (with) or digest (Narendra ) Modi,” he added.

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