Sharad Pawar's NCP May Join Hands with Ajit Pawar Faction: Sources

Sharad Pawar is reportedly planning a merger with Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction and may join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Talks are said to be underway to secure a cabinet berth for his daughter, Supriya Sule, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Meanwhile, NCP president Sunil Tatkare has allegedly extended an invitation to all party MPs, except Supriya Sule, to join the Ajit Pawar faction.

After the Mahayuti alliance secured a majority in the Maharashtra assembly elections and Devendra Fadnavis became Chief Minister, and Supriya Sule's recent praise of him has fueled speculation of a potential realignment in Maharashtra politics.

In the meantime, Shiv Sena (UBT) is also reportedly considering rejoining the NDA, further complicating the dynamics within the opposition INDIA bloc. The potential merger of the NCP factions has raised questions about the stability of the MVA and the INDIA alliance.

Veteran political leaders who have opined on NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's political strategy have said, "Pawar cannot keep the party out of the government for long." Historical precedents include his 1978 decision to break away from the Congress (U) party and form a coalition government with the Janata Party, which made him the youngest Chief Minister of Maharashtra at 38. Similarly, in 2019, he was instrumental in the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance with Congress and Shiv Sena.