BJP pushes for NCP merger as Ajit Pawar faction leaders meet Amit Shah
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The BJP is stepping up efforts to reunite the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and bring them into the NDA, with a section of the Ajit Pawar faction meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday to discuss a possible merger, sources said.
The meeting at Shah's official residence was attended by Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Dhananjay Munde, Hasan Mushrif, Chhagan Bhujbal, Sameer Bhujbal and Dilip Walse Patil. The discussions reportedly took place amid differences within the Ajit Pawar faction over the proposed merger, particularly involving Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth Pawar.
The meeting followed an earlier discussion between Sunetra and Parth and Shah last week, during which they reportedly proposed that Parth act as the point person for the merged NCP within the NDA. A source said the Sharad Pawar faction was unlikely to accept the suggestion.
NCP (Ajit Pawar) spokesperson Umesh Patil denied reports of internal divisions, describing Monday's meeting as pre-planned. He said senior leaders had sought an appointment with Shah after Sunetra's previous meeting with him.
In a post on X, Patil said the leaders discussed party matters and issues related to the state following the death of Ajit Pawar. He called reports of differences an attempt to create "an artificial narrative".
Sources said the BJP had offered two Union Cabinet berths to balance the interests of both factions. A merger could also help the NDA consolidate non-Brahmin and Maratha support in Maharashtra.
However, differences over leadership and power-sharing remain a hurdle. Parth is reportedly seeking the Maharashtra finance portfolio for his mother and the post of NCP national president. Senior leaders, including Tatkare, Patel and Bhujbal, are said to favour a more inclusive arrangement.
The NCP (Sharad Pawar) faction has not taken a decision on a merger or joining the NDA, sources said. A core committee meeting of the Ajit Pawar faction is expected to be held in Mumbai on Monday afternoon.