Sharad Pawar's Concerns on NCP Merger, Budget Discrepancies, and India-US Trade Deal

In a statement highlighting the delicate political landscape, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar clarified that discussions on merging the NCP factions were conducted between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil without Maharashtra's CM Devendra Fadnavis's involvement. He also expressed satisfaction at Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in as Deputy Chief Minister.

During a press conference in Baramati, Pawar acknowledged the void left by Ajit Pawar's tragic demise and emphasized the party's current commitment to unity and support for those grieving. He refrained from delving into political decisions while highlighting his absence from Parliament on Budget Day for the first time in nearly six decades due to personal reasons.

Pawar voiced concerns over the Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Sitharaman, specifically pointing out new tax impositions that might burden the common populace. Furthermore, he raised alarms about the India-US trade deal potentially undermining Indian farmers as it reduces tariffs on Indian goods in the US, allowing increased agricultural exports to India.