A potential merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra appears to be in its final stages, according to Shiv Sena leader and state minister Sanjay Shirsat. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Shirsat indicated that the roles of various leaders within the unified entity are likely to become clear shortly, intensifying speculation about a political realignment in the state.
Shirsat’s remarks follow a series of high-profile meetings involving NCP leaders and party founder Sharad Pawar. These interactions have reignited discussions about a reunion between the ruling NCP faction and the opposition NCP (SP) group.
Recent Meetings Fuel Merger Speculation
The latest developments include a meeting between Parth Pawar, son of the late Ajit Pawar, and Sharad Pawar at the veteran leader's south Mumbai residence on Saturday. Parth Pawar and other NCP (SP) leaders reportedly visited Sharad Pawar to inquire about his health following his recent hospital discharge.
Days prior, senior NCP leader Praful Patel also met Sharad Pawar at a Mumbai hospital. A video of their interaction, widely circulated on social media, showed the leaders discussing the possibility of another meeting after November 10, further fanning merger rumors.
Internal Divisions and Counter-Claims
Despite the heightened speculation, NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare has publicly ruled out any current merger discussions. Tatkare asserted that a reunion would have occurred in February this year had Ajit Pawar still been alive, but the situation fundamentally changed following his death.
Ajit Pawar, who headed a significant faction of the NCP, tragically died in a plane crash on January 28. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, subsequently assumed the role of party president and became Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister.
The current merger talks are also underscored by reports of internal differences within the NCP leadership. Recently, several senior party leaders met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, notably without the presence of Sunetra Pawar or her sons, Parth and Jay. This meeting occurred amidst claims of dissatisfaction among some senior leaders regarding Parth Pawar's increasing influence within the party.
Background to the NCP Split
The Nationalist Congress Party underwent a significant split in 2023 when Ajit Pawar, along with a group of senior leaders including Praful Patel, opted to join the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. Following this division, Ajit Pawar's faction successfully secured the original NCP name and election symbol, while Sharad Pawar’s group was designated as NCP (SP).