Majority of NCP (SP) Lawmakers Favor Joining NDA Over Congress Merger
An internal party survey in Mumbai has revealed that a majority of elected representatives from the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) prefer joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over merging with the Congress party. The development comes as the party's MLAs and MPs reportedly seek two ministerial berths—one in the Maharashtra government and one at the Centre—in negotiations to align with the ruling coalition.
The NCP (SP) currently holds 10 MLAs, eight Lok Sabha MPs, and one Rajya Sabha MP in Maharashtra. According to party insiders, the internal survey showed that only two MLAs and two MPs expressed reservations about joining the ruling NDA, favoring a merger with the Congress instead.
Insiders revealed that MLAs have placed considerable pressure on the party leadership to alter its stance. They noted that the BJP-led state government has not been releasing development funds for opposition MLAs' constituencies, leaving representatives worried about their prospects for re-election.
Proponents of the move argue that negotiating directly with the BJP would secure a better political deal and allow the Sharad Pawar faction to retain its distinct political identity. They also believe that joining the ruling alliance could trigger defections from the rival Ajit Pawar-led NCP, where some senior leaders are reportedly disgruntled with the current leadership.
However, a faction within the party strongly opposes the transition. Those against the move argue that they campaigned against the BJP to win their seats, and joining the NDA would represent a complete ideological reversal that would be hard to justify to voters. They also point to potential anti-incumbency ahead of the 2029 elections as an opportunity for the opposition.
While party president Sharad Pawar has maintained silence on the issue, reports indicate that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is opposed to the alignment.
Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Shashikant Shinde strongly refuted the reports, calling them rumours. Shinde stated that while leaders express concerns in internal meetings, no such decision has been made.
