Delimitation, PM Modi Meet And Merger Buzz: Why Sharad Pawar Is Playing The Waiting Game
Delimitation, PM Modi Meet And Merger Buzz: Why Sharad Pawar Is Playing The Waiting Game Written By, Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 07:46 IST Pawar's
Delimitation, PM Modi Meet And Merger Buzz: Why Sharad Pawar Is Playing The Waiting Game Written By, Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 07:46 IST Pawar's refusal to publicly rule out support for Delimitation Bill, his meeting with PM Modi & renewed merger speculation have ensured that Maharashtra politics remains in suspense Rapid Read The style of calibrated ambiguity has been a hallmark of Sharad Pawar’s politics for decades. (Reuters) Veteran Maharashtra leader Sharad Pawar is once again at the centre of political intrigue. A series of meetings, carefully worded statements and strategic silences have sparked speculation that the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), or NCP (SP), may be keeping its options open ahead of the Centre’s push for the contentious Delimitation Bill and amid renewed chatter of a reconciliation within the fractured NCP. But is Sharad Pawar preparing for a political realignment, or is this simply another example of the veteran leader keeping every option alive until the last moment? What Triggered The Buzz? The speculation has been fuelled by three developments in quick succession ALSO READ | NCP Merger First, NDA Entry Later: Inside BJP’s ‘Masterplan’ In Maharashtra 1. Sharad Pawar refused to clearly state whether the NCP (SP) would support the Centre’s proposed Delimitation Bill if it is introduced during the Monsoon Session. 2. A day after joining opposition protests at Jantar Mantar against the NEET paper leak, Pawar and daughter Supriya Sule met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 3. Reports have resurfaced suggesting behind-the-scenes discussions on a possible reunification of the two NCP factions split between Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar, the wife of his deceased nephew Ajit Pawar. While none of these developments individually confirms any political shift, together they have revived questions about Pawar’s long-term strategy. Why Is The Delimitation Bill So Important? The Narendra Modi government is expected to once again push for a constitutional amendment linked to the delimitation exercise. Since constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in Parliament, every non-NDA party that could potentially extend support assumes greater significance.
The NCP (SP), though small in numbers, could become politically important if the government falls short of the required strength. According to reports, the Centre has been reaching out to multiple regional parties to build wider consensus. What Has Sharad Pawar Said? Interestingly, Pawar has chosen not to answer the central political question. ALSO READ | Sharad Pawar And The Politics Of Possibility: Why NCP(SP) Has Everyone Reading Between Lines Again When repeatedly asked whether his party would support the Delimitation Bill, he avoided giving a direct reply, unlike several INDIA bloc partners who have openly opposed the proposal. His refusal to commit either way has become the biggest reason behind the current speculation. Supriya Sule’s Statement Adds To Speculation The ambiguity deepened after Supriya Sule indicated that the NCP (SP) could consider supporting the Bill if the government provides a written assurance that every state would receive a uniform 50 per cent increase in Lok Sabha seats. “Give the 50 per cent condition on paper, then we will discuss," Sule said at a press conference last week. “The Bill is still not with us. I can’t speak on the Bill unless it is with us," she added. Such a position differs from outright opposition and suggests the party may negotiate rather than reject the proposal outright. Why Did The Modi Meeting Raise Eyebrows? The timing proved politically significant. Only a day earlier, Sharad Pawar had stood alongside opposition leaders at Jantar Mantar. Within 24 hours, he was meeting PM Modi along with Supriya Sule. The NCP (SP) maintained that Pawar merely conveyed concerns raised by protesters. However, opposition leaders and political observers noted that the meeting came precisely when the government is trying to gather support for key constitutional legislation, including delimitation. Is An NCP Reunion Also Being Discussed? Yes, but the idea is not new. Since Ajit Pawar split the NCP in 2023 and joined the BJP-led Mahayuti government, speculation over a reunion has surfaced repeatedly. Recent reports suggest conversations between leaders from both camps have intensified again, although neither faction has officially confirmed merger talks.
The BriefWire