NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said they never thought the Nationalist Congress Party, co-founded by him 26 years ago, would suffer a split and appreciated workers of his outfit for taking it ahead despite challenges, reported news agency PTI.

Pawar was speaking in Pune at an event marking the 26th foundation day of the NCP, which split in 2023.

"The party faced some challenges, but you, without getting discouraged, continue to take the party ahead. A split took place in the party. We never thought that a split would take place in the party but it happened," he said, reported PTI.