BJP keen on merger of NCP factions, but Sunetra Pawar not in favour: Report

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly in favour of bringing together the two rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in a bid to consolidate the ruling Mahayuti alliance ahead of upcoming political contests in Maharashtra. However, the proposal has reportedly met resistance from Sunetra Pawar, who is said to be against such a merger.

According to reports, the BJP believes that a united NCP could help strengthen the alliance's electoral prospects and reduce internal competition within the coalition. While discussions on the possibility of reconciliation have surfaced in political circles, no formal announcement has been made by any of the stakeholders.

Merger talks gain momentum

Speculation about a reunion between the factions led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has intensified in recent weeks.

Political observers believe that any merger would significantly reshape Maharashtra's political landscape, where the NCP split in 2023 altered alliance equations and created two rival power centres within the party.

Sources familiar with the developments suggest that the BJP sees strategic value in a unified NCP, particularly with local body elections and future Assembly contests on the horizon.

Sunetra Pawar reportedly opposed

Amid the speculation, reports indicate that Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar and a Rajya Sabha MP, is not in favour of merging the two factions.

While the reasons behind her reported opposition have not been officially detailed, political analysts believe concerns over leadership, organisational control and the future political identity of the Ajit Pawar-led faction could be among the factors.

Neither Sunetra Pawar nor leaders from the rival NCP faction have publicly confirmed the reported discussions.

No official confirmation yet

Senior leaders from the BJP and both NCP factions have so far refrained from making definitive statements on whether merger talks are underway.

Political experts caution that while informal discussions are common in coalition politics, translating them into a formal merger would require consensus among key leaders and party workers.

For now, the reports remain speculative, with no official roadmap announced for a reunification of the two NCP factions.

Maharashtra politics remains fluid

The developments underscore the evolving political dynamics in Maharashtra, where alliances have shifted repeatedly over the past few years.

Whether the reported push for a merger gathers momentum or remains a political possibility will depend on negotiations among the principal stakeholders in the coming weeks.