NCP Merger – Delhi Meetings Trigger Fresh Buzz Over Party Reunion
NCP Merger – A fresh round of meetings involving senior leaders from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the NCP led by Sharad Pawar, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi has sparked renewed discussion about the possibility of the two NCP factions coming together. Political observers are also watching closely amid reports that a reunited party could eventually become part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Key Leaders Hold Separate Meetings in Delhi
NCP (Sharad Pawar) president Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital along with his daughter and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule. During the same period, NCP working president Praful Patel and the party’s national general secretary Parth Pawar also held discussions with Sharad Pawar.
In another development, Maharashtra NCP president and Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Supriya Sule also separately met Shah, adding to political speculation over the purpose of the high-level interactions.
Reports Suggest Proposal for Reunification
According to sources familiar with the developments, the BJP leadership has explored the possibility of bringing the two NCP factions back together before any future political arrangement within the NDA. The reported discussions are believed to have included the structure of a unified party and the responsibilities of senior leaders if such a move takes shape.
Sources indicated that the meetings with Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah reportedly focused on leadership roles, organisational responsibilities and representation in both the party and government in the event of a merger. However, no official confirmation has been issued by any of the parties involved.
Sharad Pawar Rejects Speculation
Despite the growing political chatter, Sharad Pawar dismissed reports suggesting that a merger was imminent. While speaking in his hometown of Baramati, he said there was no truth to the speculation and chose not to elaborate further on the matter.
Even so, people familiar with internal discussions within the NCP maintained that conversations are continuing behind the scenes. They also cautioned that the situation remains fluid and that it is too early to draw firm conclusions about the final outcome.
Internal Dynamics Continue to Evolve
Sources also claimed that some senior leaders who had earlier expressed reservations about reuniting the two factions have gradually become more open to the idea. Among those reportedly reconsidering their position are Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, who are now said to support efforts aimed at restoring unity within the party.
The same sources stated that Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar initially had concerns regarding their future responsibilities and the balance of power in a united organisation. According to these accounts, assurances from the BJP leadership regarding the interests of all major stakeholders helped create a more favourable environment for dialogue.
It was after these discussions, sources said, that Praful Patel and Parth Pawar met Sharad Pawar to continue conversations and explore possible areas of agreement.
Political Signals Being Closely Watched
Political insiders further suggested that the NCP (Sharad Pawar) faction’s support for the BJP on the proposed delimitation legislation has strengthened expectations of closer cooperation between the parties. While these claims remain unofficial, they have added to speculation about future political alignments in Maharashtra.
For now, no formal announcement has been made regarding a merger or entry into the NDA. Party leaders have maintained public caution, and the reported discussions remain at an exploratory stage. Observers note that political negotiations often evolve over time, making it difficult to predict the final direction until an official agreement is reached.