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NCP Merger – Amid renewed speculation over a possible reunification of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar held a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi on Wednesday, fuelling discussions about a potential realignment in both state and national politics.

Sunetra Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and later held separate talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Her visit came shortly after she formally assumed charge at Mantralaya in Mumbai. She travelled to the national capital accompanied by her sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar.

Talks of Power-Sharing Gain Momentum

Sources familiar with the developments indicated that if the merger between the rival NCP factions materialises, the reunited party could secure representation in the Union Cabinet. According to these inputs, two cabinet portfolios at the Centre may be allocated to the party. One is expected to go to Working President Praful Patel, while another could be offered to Supriya Sule, daughter of party founder Sharad Pawar.

At the state level in Maharashtra, discussions are said to include cabinet adjustments that would accommodate leaders from the Sharad Pawar-led faction. The arrangement under consideration reportedly involves two cabinet positions and one minister of state berth for the faction as part of a broader understanding.

Chief Minister’s Consultations in Delhi

Before any formal announcement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is believed to have travelled to Delhi to consult senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The deliberations reportedly focused on the implications of the merger and the possible reshuffle required within the Maharashtra cabinet.

According to a source aware of the conversations, Fadnavis has conveyed a favourable view of the proposed reunification. The reasoning, the source said, is rooted in electoral arithmetic. A consolidated NCP, it is believed, could consolidate sections of secular, progressive and minority voters who have not traditionally aligned with the BJP.

Electoral Calculations at Play

Political observers point to the Maratha vote base as another factor influencing the discussions. A significant portion of this electorate has historically supported the NCP. A unified party structure could help retain that support within the current ruling framework in Maharashtra, limiting opportunities for rival parties such as the Congress to expand their influence.

Sources further suggested that the BJP’s national leadership is also receptive to the proposal. Prime Minister Modi is understood to maintain a cordial rapport with Sharad Pawar, a veteran leader with decades of experience in national politics. With eight Lok Sabha members, the NCP’s backing could also strengthen the stability of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance at the Centre.

Leadership Dynamics Within the Pawar Family

Insiders say Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar may play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the unified party. In the event of a merger, she is expected to assume a leading organisational role, while Sharad Pawar, now 85, could transition into a guiding or advisory position.

Those familiar with internal discussions describe this arrangement as a formula aimed at preserving the Pawar family’s influence in Maharashtra politics while ensuring continued participation in government. The evolving structure is seen as balancing generational transition with political continuity.

Recent interactions between Parth Pawar and Sharad Pawar are also believed to have helped ease tensions between the two camps. These meetings reportedly created space for dialogue, paving the way for the current round of discussions.

While no official confirmation has been issued regarding the merger, the sequence of meetings in Delhi and consultations within the BJP indicate that negotiations have entered a serious phase. If finalised, the move could significantly reshape Maharashtra’s political landscape and recalibrate alliances at the national level.