Sharad Pawar’s NCP Faction Nears Merger with Congress, Sources Say

Talks of a merger between the faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar and the Indian National Congress have reached an advanced stage, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar confirmed the ongoing talks, stating that those who share the secular ideals of the Congress are welcome in the party.

The NCP was formed in 1999 when Sharad Pawar broke away from the Congress. In 2023, his nephew Ajit Pawar led a split, taking a faction of MLAs to join the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra. The recent merger talks come amid political setbacks for other regional leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Uddhav Thackeray, whose MPs have formed separate groups.

Sources say the Congress leadership has given a green signal for NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLAs and MPs willing to join the Congress. However, within the NCP, there are two competing views. One faction prefers joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), arguing that the party's parliamentary strength could secure a place in the ruling coalition and help address development issues. Another faction favors merging with the Congress. The possibility of reunification with Ajit Pawar's faction has reportedly receded after his death, but some still believe joining the NDA independently is viable.