NCP Merger First, NDA Entry Later: Inside BJP's 'Masterplan' In Maharashtra

Published 18 July 2026 · politics

NCP Merger First, NDA Entry Later: Inside BJP's 'Masterplan' In Maharashtra Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 10:45 IST The NCP formally divided in

NCP Merger First, NDA Entry Later: Inside BJP's 'Masterplan' In Maharashtra Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 10:45 IST The NCP formally divided in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar and several other senior leaders jumped ship to the BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra Sharad Pawar (left) and Devendra Fadnavis | File photo: PTI As the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of the Sharad Pawar faction mulls a merger with the Democratic Alliance (NDA), a possible “formula" for the alignment remains under “serious consideration" by the two sides. Sources told CNN-News18 that any alignment between the NCP-SP and the BJP-led NDA would require a reunification of the party’s two rival groups –– the Sharad Pawar faction and the Ajit Pawar faction. A final decision on the matter is likely to arrive within the next 8-15 days. The merger, if finalised, will redefine the political landscape of Maharashtra. Leaders from both NCP camps and NDA recently held several meetings, adding to the speculations surrounding a possible merger of the Sharad Pawar’s party with the ruling dispensation. The NCP formally divided in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar –– who died in a plane crash in Baramati this year –– and several other senior leaders jumped ship to the BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra.

In case a merger fails, sources told CNN-News18, Sharad Pawar’s NCP will join the NDA as a separate entity or support the government from either “within or outside". However, they said that most MLAs and MPs from the Sharad Pawar faction favor joining the NDA directly. According to them, the participation in both the central and Maharashtra governments will strengthen the organization, boost the morale of workers and cadres, and facilitate party expansion. Sunetra Pawar Vs Sharad Pawar? According to sources, Sunetra Pawar –– Maharashtra’s Deputy CM and wife of late Ajit Pawar –– wants to retain the post of NCP president, in case of a merger of the two factions, CNN-News18 has learnt. Sunetra Pawar insists that the finance department in Maharashtra goes to her party members. At the same time, the Sharad Pawar faction also eyes the key portfolio. As of mid-2026, the two factions continue to function separately on both state and central levels. Pertinent to note that talks surrounding a possible merger between the two sides had surfaced before the demise of Ajit Pawar in a deadly plane crash in January 2026.

The number Game The speculation coincides with the BJP-led NDA’s plan to re-introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill –– aimed to increase the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats and fast-track 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures –– in the Monsoon session of Parliament. The NCP-SP holds eight seats in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha. Its support could prove crucial for the government that seeks to revive the bill that failed to pass in the Lok Sabha, falling short of the constitutionally mandated two-thirds special majority. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Will the NCP merger redefine Maharashtra's political landscape? A potential merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions could redefine Maharashtra's political landscape. Sources indicate that the Sharad Pawar faction is considering a merger with the Ajit Pawar faction before joining the Democratic Alliance (NDA). What happens if the NCP merger talks ultimately fail? If NCP merger talks fail, Sharad Pawar's NCP will join the NDA as a separate entity or support the government from within or outside.