Speculation over a possible merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has resurfaced after Sunetra Pawar held separate meetings with Devendra Fadnavis and later with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The political developments have sparked intense discussion in Maharashtra’s political corridors ahead of further talks expected in Pune.
The latest round of speculation began after Sunetra Pawar, who leads the NCP faction that split from the parent party in 2023, met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. However, Fadnavis dismissed reports linking the meeting to any merger discussions.
Political attention has now shifted to Pune, where Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth Pawar are expected to interact with Amit Shah. Although the agenda of the meeting has not been made public, its timing has intensified speculation about possible realignments within Maharashtra politics.
The merger debate gained further traction after senior leaders associated with the NCP, including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and Chhagan Bhujbal, recently met Amit Shah in New Delhi. These interactions have fueled expectations that efforts may be underway to bridge the divide within the party.
Meanwhile, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Supriya Sule revealed that merger discussions between the two factions had advanced significantly in the past and had even reached the stage of a mutually agreed date. She, however, clarified that the process was halted following the death of Ajit Pawar and that no fresh communication has been received from the rival camp regarding revival of the talks.
The Nationalist Congress Party split in 2023 when Ajit Pawar broke away from Sharad Pawar and aligned with the BJP-led Mahayuti government. While no official announcement regarding a merger has been made, the recent series of meetings involving key political leaders has once again brought the prospect of NCP reunification into the spotlight.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday categorically ruled out any immediate possibility of a merger, saying the two groups cannot come together unless Sharad Pawar joins the NDA.
Speaking to reporters in Pune, Athawale said there was no scope for a reunion of the rival NCP factions under the current political circumstances.
