BJP keen on NCP merger, but Sunetra Pawar opposes

Speculation is mounting over a potential merger between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) actively encouraging the union to bolster the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Despite the BJP's push, NCP chief Sunetra Pawar and her son, Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar, are reportedly against the merger. A close aide indicated their opposition stems from a desire to prevent Sharad Pawar and his daughter, Supriya Sule, from regaining control of the party.

Parth Pawar has met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reportedly seeking clarity on discussions with NCP leaders. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) leaders Jayant Patil and Jitendra Awhad have also met with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The BJP's motivation for the merger includes securing the necessary two-thirds majority in Parliament to pass crucial legislation, such as the constitution amendment bill for women's reservation and delimitation. To incentivize the merger, the BJP has offered cabinet positions to leaders from both NCP factions.

“

Both the NCP president and her son are firmly opposed to the merger, as they do not want NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar and his daughter, Supriya Sule, to regain control of the party.