BJP keen on NCPs' merger, but Sunetra Pawar, son Parth not in favour

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively encouraging a merger between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction. This move aims to bolster the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of crucial legislative votes, including the constitution amendment bill for women's reservation.

However, the merger faces internal opposition. NCP chief Sunetra Pawar and her son, Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar, are reportedly against the union. A close aide indicated their primary concern is preventing Sharad Pawar and his daughter, Supriya Sule, from regaining control of the party.

Despite this resistance, some NCP leaders are working to gather support for the merger. The BJP is reportedly sweetening the deal by offering cabinet berths in the Union government to both factions. This political maneuvering highlights the BJP's strategic efforts to consolidate power and ensure the smooth passage of key legislation requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament.

Parth Pawar recently met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reportedly seeking clarity on discussions between Fadnavis and leaders from the rival NCP faction. The BJP's push for unity underscores its need for a stronger coalition to pass significant bills. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule has stated her party would consider supporting proposed legislation if it includes a uniform 50% increase in Lok Sabha seats across all states, though the party's official stance remains undecided.

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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.