NEW DELHI: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) [NCP (SP)] chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said that the split in the NCP, which he co-established 26 years ago, was unforeseen. Speaking at the foundation day event of the party, Pawar reflected on the party’s journey and the recent split that occurred in 2023.“The party faced some challenges, but you (party workers), without getting discouraged, continue to take the party ahead. A split occurred in the party. We never thought that a split would take place in the party, but it happened,” he said at an event commemorating the NCP’s 26th foundation day.“Some people went with other ideologies, and this split widened. I do not want to talk about it today. But those who remained loyal to the party, it was because of our party’s ideology,” the NCP (SP) chief added.Pawar projected optimistic outcomes for upcoming elections, highlighting that unity within the party and dedication to public welfare are key to success. “Do not dwell on who has left or who has joined. If we stay united and remain committed to the common people, we will not face any problems,” Pawar said.Pawar mentioned that many of his party workers are committed to public service and are the party’s strength. He said, “Don’t worry about power. If we remain united, power will follow. I can see that possibility emerging in the state.”The NCP was formed by Sharad Pawar in 1999. The party split in July 2023 when Sharad Pawar’s nephew, Ajit Pawar, joined the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government. The Election Commission assigned the NCP name and its clock symbol to the Ajit Pawar faction. Sharad Pawar’s faction was named NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) thereafter.