BJP Sets Merger Condition for NCP(SP) Joining NDA, Decision Awaits Pawar

The political landscape in Maharashtra is abuzz as the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction, led by veteran leader Sharad Pawar, faces a critical decision on whether to support the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on the Delimitation Bill. According to sources in the Mahayuti coalition, the ball is now in Mr. Pawar's court.

The BJP has reportedly indicated that it will accept the NCP(SP) as an alliance partner only if it merges with the rival NCP faction led by Sunetra Pawar. However, leaders from both camps have expressed doubts about such a merger. A senior leader noted, “There are leadership issues. In the NCP(SP), there is an internal rift among the second line of leadership after Sharad Pawar. In the NCP, a group of senior leaders is unhappy with Sunetra Pawar and her sons’ leadership. It is difficult for both parties to come together.”

Meanwhile, sources said that Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has been asked to stay away from the NCP(SP) internal dynamics, even as restlessness grows within the faction. Some NCP(SP) leaders have indicated a preference to join Mr. Shinde’s party, but he has shown no interest so far.

A senior Mahayuti leader clarified the BJP's stance: “The message is very clear. If the NCP(SP) wants to support the NDA and be part of it, it must join hands with the NCP and come together as a single party. The BJP is not keen on having two separate factions in the alliance, as it sends the wrong message to allies.”

The NCP(SP) has eight Lok Sabha MPs, while the NCP has one. During the last session, the NCP(SP) voted against the Delimitation Bill as part of the united Opposition. However, NCP(SP) leader Supriya Sule has hinted that if the government increases 50% seats in all states and provides a written formula for implementation, “there will be very little reason to oppose.”

Mahayuti sources outlined three options before Sharad Pawar: merge with the NCP and join the NDA as a ruling alliance partner, support the NDA from outside, or support only the Delimitation Bill and specific issues. “The BJP has said it does not want the NCP(SP) as a separate party in the alliance. But the call is entirely the party’s now,” a leader said.

Internal discord within both factions complicates matters. An NCP source noted that in the NCP(SP), cadres are not fully aligned with Supriya Sule, and leaders like Jayant Patil and Rohit Pawar have strained relations. In the NCP, some leaders are unhappy with Parth Pawar’s functioning. “Only a Pawar will be able to hold the party together. It is a Maratha party and a Maratha leader must be at the helm,” the source added.