Supriya Sule Sets Condition for NCP (SP) Support on Delimitation Bill Amid BJP Alliance Buzz
Amid speculation over a possible alliance between the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) [NCP (SP)] and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), NCP (SP) working president and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule on Wednesday said the party would support the Centre's proposed delimitation Bill, but with a condition: the Bill must provide for a 50% increase in Lok Sabha seats across all states.
Sule's statement comes as the NCP (SP) faces internal debate over its political future. The party had voted against the Centre's Constitution Amendment Bill related to delimitation during the Budget session. Recent meetings between NCP (SP) leaders and senior BJP and government officials have fueled speculation about a possible realignment.
“If the Union government amends the delimitation Bill by bringing a 50% increase in seats, then we will support it. This is not something new that I am saying. We have always maintained that we will support the Bill if these amendments are brought. There is no change in our stand,” Sule told The Indian Express.
She noted that several Opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), had raised the same demand when the legislation was first introduced in Parliament. “All of us, including the TMC and the DMK, had taken this position. It is not something that is being said for the first time,” she said.
Sule also downplayed speculation about the party's proximity to the BJP following a late-night meeting between NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday. She cited her own open meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a parliamentary committee meeting in Lucknow. “If our party really wanted to ally with the BJP, we would not be meeting openly,” she said.
The clarification comes a day after Patil met Fadnavis, hours after calling on party chief Sharad Pawar at his residence. Ruling NCP leaders Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel also met the Chief Minister separately the same night, adding to speculation about political realignments.
Sources within the NCP (SP) indicated that at least half of its 10 MLAs favour a move to the NDA, arguing that remaining in the Opposition has made it difficult to secure development funds and administrative clearances for their constituencies. Patil, however, denied that his meeting with Fadnavis was about political realignment. He said he discussed the disqualification of the chairman of the Islampur Municipal Council.
Patil also dismissed reports of merger talks with the ruling NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. “I have not met Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel regarding any merger plans. After the death of Ajit Pawar, no such discussion has taken place,” he said, adding, “We stand united with Sharad Pawar. I feel sad whenever the media discusses me leaving the party.”
The political chatter has intensified after six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing better access to government approvals and development funds. Party sources said this has prompted sections within the NCP (SP) to argue that the party should reconsider its position. Although the NCP (SP), with 10 MLAs and eight Lok Sabha MPs, is the smallest among Maharashtra's six major political parties, its parliamentary strength has gained significance as the NDA looks to shore up support ahead of key legislation, including the proposed delimitation Bill.
