Fresh political speculation has surfaced in Maharashtra over the possibility of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) joining the ruling Mahayuti, with reports suggesting that backchannel discussions are underway
between leaders of the Sharad Pawar-led party and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
According to political sources, the BJP is attempting to consolidate the required strength of Members of Parliament at the national level to secure the passage of the proposed parliamentary constituency delimitation bill. As part of these efforts, discussions are reportedly taking place to bring the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction into the ruling alliance.
The speculation intensified after reports claimed that senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil recently held a closed-door meeting with BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde at a five-star hotel in Mumbai. Sources familiar with the matter said the meeting included discussions on the role the Sharad Pawar faction could play in the government and the portfolios it may receive if it joins the Mahayuti.
Internal sources within the NCP (SP) also claimed that Jayant Patil has received the party leadership's approval to join the Nationalist Congress Party. According to these sources, the move is aimed at bringing the Finance Ministry back under the NCP's control. The portfolio is currently held by Devendra Fadnavis following the death of Ajit Pawar.
The sources further claimed that Jayant Patil is the only leader in the party with the administrative experience to effectively handle the Finance Ministry. They said he could also guide Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, who, according to them, would continue to have political oversight over the department if Patil were appointed Finance Minister.
However, a senior party leader denied that there were any discussions within the party about Sharad Pawar joining the National Democratic Alliance. The leader, however, said the party would welcome Jayant Patil's induction into the Ajit Pawar-led NCP to strengthen Sunetra Pawar's position.
Amid the growing speculation, the Indian National Congress issued its first public response. Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said discussions about the Sharad Pawar-led NCP joining the NDA were "100 per cent underway."
"They have to decide whether they want to abandon their ideology and go there, or remain committed to their principles and come with us. Anyone who wants to join us is welcome. Sharad Pawar is a senior leader. We have not received any message from him indicating that talks are taking place. We are ready for discussions, but no such indication has come from his side so far," Wadettiwar said.
It remains to be seen whether leaders of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP will respond to the speculation and the Congress leader's remarks.
