Maharashtra CM Fadnavis meets leaders of NCP factions, fuels fresh buzz about their merger

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a meeting with leaders from both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) at his Mumbai residence, fueling renewed speculation about a potential merger of the parties, possibly with the approval of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The meeting involved NCP leader Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. While Jayant Patil, a leader from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP–SP faction, was reportedly expected to attend, he denied his presence. Sources close to the matter indicated the discussion lasted about an hour.

This gathering occurs amidst persistent rumors that the NCP–SP faction is preparing to join the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Insiders suggest that the NCP–SP leadership has consulted its lawmakers, with a majority expressing a preference to join governments at both the central and state levels, citing potential benefits for addressing development issues and securing funds.

Discussions about a potential reunification were reportedly close to finalization before NCP chief Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash in January. At that time, leaders like Sharad Pawar had indicated that the merged party would align with the NDA. However, the plan was put on hold. Following Ajit Pawar's death, his widow, Sunetra Pawar, who is the current NCP chief, has reportedly opposed the merger, adding another layer of complexity to the political maneuvering.