- NCP (SP) denies defection speculation amidst Maharashtra political turbulence.
- Spokesperson Siddiqui expresses confidence loyal MLAs, MPs will stay.
- However, Siddiqui acknowledges nothing is impossible in contemporary politics now.
As political turbulence continues in Maharashtra following the rebellion within Uddhav Thackeray’s party, speculation has now turned towards the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar).
Amid the buzz, NCP (SP) national spokesperson Naseem Siddiqui said he believes attempts are being made to target his party, but expressed confidence that the party’s elected representatives remain loyal to Sharad Pawar.
“I believe he may be tempted by the promise of power, but we currently have MLAs and MPs who will obey Sharad Pawar with utmost loyalty,” Siddiqui said.
‘No Possibility Of Defections At Present’
Siddiqui said he does not see any immediate threat to the party’s strength in the legislature or Parliament.
“Our current number of MPs is eight and the number of MLAs is 10. I don’t think any of them will abandon Sharad Pawar. I don’t see any possibility of that happening right now,” he said.
‘Nothing Is Impossible In Politics’
While expressing confidence in the party’s lawmakers, Siddiqui also acknowledged the changing nature of politics.
“Nothing is impossible in politics anymore,” he said.
Referring to the split in the Nationalist Congress Party, Siddiqui said, “We saw love even when our Nationalist Party split. Sharad Pawar was the leader even before that. But with Ajit Dada, people defected en masse. Now there is no place for love, loyalty, and honesty in politics.”
‘Trustworthy And Honest Politicians Have Been Sidelined’
The NCP (SP) leader said political values have increasingly taken a back seat to the pursuit of power.
“We are constantly seeing that those who are trustworthy and honest have been sidelined. They have been relegated to the political margins. Those who are defecting and greedy are in power. The whole game is about power. Therefore, no possibility can be ruled out,” he said.
Maharashtra Politics Heated Over ‘Operation Tiger’
The remarks come at a time when Maharashtra politics is witnessing intense discussions around “Operation Tiger.”
Political tensions in the state have escalated after six MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction switched sides, triggering a fresh round of allegations and counter-allegations among rival camps.
