BJP Puts NCP Merger Decision in Sunetra Pawar's Hands
The Bharatiya Janata Party has clarified that any decision concerning the potential merger between the Nationalist Congress Party and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) will be entirely at the discretion of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. This announcement comes during a period of intense political scrutiny and family meetings in Baramati, following the tragic death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash.
Political Distancing Amid Criticism
Since the unfortunate incident at Baramati, the BJP has faced significant criticism from opposition parties, who have accused it of collaborating closely with the NCP to facilitate the swift swearing-in of Sunetra Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. In response, the BJP has strategically distanced itself from what it terms an internal party matter of the NCP factions.
Navnath Ban, the incharge of the state BJP media cell, explicitly stated, "The decision related to merger of NCP/NCP(SP) has been completely left to the discretion of Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar." He emphasized that neither Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis nor Union Home Minister Amit Shah would be involved in this decision-making process.
Opposition Reactions and Internal Dynamics
The BJP's stance follows sharp remarks from NCP(SP) president Sharad Pawar, who recently criticized CM Fadnavis for commenting on merger talks. Sharad Pawar asserted that the Chief Minister had no right to speak on the matter, as discussions were primarily between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut commented, "It is evident BJP was thwarting the reunion of two parties which was also the last wish of Ajit Pawar." This highlights the ongoing political tensions and the emotional weight attached to the merger issue.
BJP's Strategic Calculations
A senior BJP leader, part of the core committee responsible for political and policy decisions, explained the party's position in detail. "Firstly, such an important issue like the merger of two political parties – NCP and NCP (SP)–cannot be decided by Maharashtra BJP alone," the leader noted.
He further elaborated that while the NCP is an alliance partner and the merger directly impacts the Mahayuti coalition, the final call must be taken by Sunetra Pawar in consultation with her party leaders. The central BJP's role would only commence once the NCP reaches a decision and formally proposes it.
Another state BJP minister, speaking anonymously, provided insight into the coalition dynamics: "In any coalition two is fine, three is crowd. In addition, why should it open doors for the fourth faction even if it comes through merger." However, he acknowledged that under certain circumstances, a merger could be considered to strengthen the NDA, particularly with the addition of eight MPs from NCP(SP).
Future Implications and Monitoring
The BJP is closely monitoring the developments within the NCP and NCP(SP). Political analysts within the party believe that NCP(SP) is keen on a merger to maintain its political dominance under Sharad Pawar's leadership. Following the split, late Ajit Pawar had consolidated control over the organization, as evidenced by the 2024 Assembly polls where NCP secured 41 seats compared to NCP(SP)'s 10.
Acknowledging the various signals for a merger from different quarters, a BJP leader remarked, "The response from the central leadership will depend on how and when Sunetra Pawar takes a final call." This indicates that the BJP is adopting a wait-and-watch approach, leaving the onus on Sunetra Pawar to navigate this complex political landscape.
