Supriya Sule, the leader of NCP-SP, has made it clear that her fight against the BJP is rooted in ideology, especially after the split with her cousin, Ajit Pawar. The past 14 months have been challenging for Sule after Ajit Pawar seized control of the party’s name, symbol, and most of its MLAs, aligning with the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. However, despite these setbacks, Supriya Sule, alongside her father, Sharad Pawar, has been working tirelessly to rebuild the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) and make it ready for the upcoming elections.

Her first significant success came when the NCP-SP managed to win eight out of the ten seats it contested in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defying expectations. But the upcoming assembly elections present an even tougher battle. Still, Sule remains optimistic, asserting that her party, along with its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies, will fight against the “bullies” and ensure that “truth prevails” in the upcoming elections.

In an exclusive interview, Supriya Sule explained that the conflict with her cousin, Ajit Pawar, is not a family issue but an ideological one. “Ajit Pawar now follows the BJP-RSS ideology. We are on a different path,” she said. Here are more details from the interview:

In the Current Election Dynamics

Sule noted that the political landscape had shifted significantly since the Lok Sabha elections. “Back then, we were recovering from the split, and nobody expected us to win, yet we proved them wrong,” she said. She also criticized the BJP’s focus on populist measures like the Ladki Bahin Yojna. “They have nothing to show except for that. Maharashtra has faced massive unemployment, price hikes, and corruption under this government,” she added.

On Populist Measures and Electoral Strategy

While acknowledging that all parties have been introducing populist measures, Sule pointed out that this has become a widespread practice across India, not just in Maharashtra. “It’s happening everywhere,” she remarked. She also cautioned against assuming that populist promises automatically translate into electoral success, citing Telangana as an example where promises failed to secure victory.

On the Seat-Sharing Issues in MVA

Sule addressed the internal divisions within the MVA coalition, particularly regarding seat-sharing. “It’s happening in both alliances, including the ruling Mahayuti. At least we have a conscience,” she said, highlighting how allies within the ruling alliance often campaign against each other, showing a lack of unity.

On the Likelihood of a Hung Assembly

Sule rejected the notion that Maharashtra would end up with a hung assembly. “Maharashtra’s voters are very mature. Look at the Lok Sabha elections; despite all the hurdles we faced, the people still voted for us,” she stated. She expressed confidence that the upcoming election would see a decisive result, dismissing the possibility of a hung assembly.

On Ajit Pawar’s Allegiance to BJP

When asked about Ajit Pawar, Sule emphasized that the main rival in the election is still the BJP. “Ajit Pawar may be contesting on the NCP symbol, but he’s aligned with the BJP. When people vote for him, they are, in effect, voting for the BJP,” she said. On Ajit Pawar fielding his wife Sunetra against her in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Sule refrained from speculating on his motivations but underscored that the ideological divide between them remains deep.

On Reconciliation with Ajit Pawar

Sule firmly stated that a political reunion with her cousin is unlikely due to his current alignment with the BJP. “Ajit Pawar is with the BJP, and we are on the other side. There is no scope for reconciliation,” she remarked.

On Leadership and the Future of NCP-SP

Sule clarified that the NCP-SP is not pursuing the chief minister’s position. “Sharad Pawar has made it clear that we are not in the race for the top position. But we will continue to fight for our values, our ideology, and the Constitution,” she said.

On Defending the Constitution and Democracy

Sule reiterated the NCP-SP’s commitment to defending the Constitution and the principles of democracy. “The BJP thinks they can bully others because of their power, but we will continue to fight for the truth,” she said. “Our fight is not just for the party or its symbol; it’s for the Constitution, which they are trying to undermine.”

Supriya Sule’s interview reflects her determination to secure a victory for the NCP-SP, stressing that the party’s ideological battle with Ajit Pawar and his alignment with the BJP is central to her mission. As she continues her efforts to rebuild the party and make it a force to be reckoned with in Maharashtra politics, she remains committed to upholding democratic values and fighting for the truth, no matter the political challenges ahead.