BJP plan for NCP: Merger, two Cabinet berths, entry into NDA

Backroom negotiations intensify

In a significant political maneuver, the BJP has outlined a detailed plan to bring the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The proposal involves merging the two warring NCP camps into a single entity. As part of the arrangement, the unified NCP would be offered two Cabinet berths in the Union government.

Sources within the Mahayuti alliance confirmed that the BJP leadership has been holding multiple rounds of talks. The plan aims to consolidate the NCP's fractured base ahead of the next electoral cycle. The move is seen as an attempt to strengthen the NDA's footprint in Maharashtra, a state where coalition arithmetic often dictates power.

A tale of two NCPs

The NCP has been split since 2023, with one faction led by Ajit Pawar aligning with the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde) government. The other faction, led by Sharad Pawar, has maintained a distance from the BJP. The party's internal dynamics have been fluid, with frequent meetings and shifting loyalties.

Recent reports indicate that leaders from the Sharad Pawar camp are pushing for an alliance with the BJP. This has created tension within the faction, as the veteran leader has historically opposed the BJP's ideology. Despite this, several NCP (SP) leaders believe a merger is inevitable for political survival.

Late-night meetings and closed-door talks

The BJP's plan was conveyed to allies during a series of late-night meetings. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been at the center of these discussions. At least three meetings have taken place in the past week, involving top leaders from both NCP factions.

Notably, NCP leader Sunetra Pawar was reportedly not aware of a late-night meeting between her husband Praful Patel and Tatkare with the Chief Minister. This has fueled speculation about internal communication gaps within the party.

Sharad Pawar resists, but pressure mounts

Sharad Pawar has resisted the move to merge with the BJP-led NDA. However, several of his party colleagues are increasingly vocal about the need to align with the ruling coalition. The pressure from within the NCP (SP) is growing, with many leaders arguing that joining the NDA is the only way to remain politically relevant.

The BJP's offer of two Cabinet berths is a significant incentive. It would give the unified NCP a direct stake in the central government's decision-making. For the BJP, the merger would consolidate its hold over Maharashtra's political landscape, reducing the risk of a split in anti-BJP votes.

What this means for the Mahayuti

The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and Ajit Pawar's NCP, has been stable so far. The inclusion of Sharad Pawar's faction could alter the power balance within the coalition. Allies are watching the developments closely, as any merger would require careful seat-sharing adjustments.

The BJP has made it clear to its allies that the NCP (SP) will join the NDA only as part of a unified NCP. This condition is aimed at preventing further fragmentation and ensuring a single point of contact for negotiations.

What happens next

The coming weeks will be crucial as both NCP factions hold internal meetings to decide their future. Sharad Pawar's response to the merger proposal remains the key variable. If he agrees, it could reshape Maharashtra's political alignments ahead of the next general elections. If he resists, the BJP may push ahead with Ajit Pawar's faction alone.