MUMBAI: Amid talk of a merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Wednesday. She separately met Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
She came to Delhi after taking charge of the office in Mantralaya, Mumbai, accompanied by sons, Parth and Jay.
According to highly placed sources, if the merger takes place, the united NCP is likely to receive two cabinet ministries at the Centre. One post may go to Working President Praful Patel and another to Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule. In Maharashtra, the Sharad Pawar-led faction is expected to get two cabinet berths, along with one minister of state, as part of a joint arrangement.
Before moving ahead with the deal, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly flew to Delhi to meet senior BJP leaders. He discussed the possible merger and adjustments in the state cabinet under his leadership.
“Fadnavis has given the positive signal for the merger because a united NCP will bring the secular, progressive, and minority votes that the BJP has not been able to get,” said a source.
The source added, “It will not give the space to Congress to grow anymore. The 35 percent Maratha vote bank that mostly allied with the NCP will remain with the incumbent. So, this merger of NCP has dual benefits for the BJP.”
Sources said the top BJP leadership is also keen on the move. Prime Minister Modi is believed to share a cordial relationship with Sharad Pawar. With the NCP having eight Lok Sabha MPs, their support could help the BJP-led NDA further stabilise the central government.
“The key role will be played by DCM Sunetra Pawar and her sons,” said a source. In the new power structure, Sunetra Pawar is expected to lead the united NCP, while the 85-year-old Sharad Pawar may step back into an advisory role. “This formula can save the Pawar family, retaining its hold in state politics and at the same time, remaining in power,” the source said.
Sources also revealed that Parth Pawar’s recent meetings with Sharad Pawar were crucial in breaking the ice between the two factions.
‘Fadnavis has given positive signal for reunion’
CM Devendra Fadnavis reportedly discussed with senior BJP leaders about the possible merger of the two NCP factions and adjustments in the state cabinet. “Fadnavis has given positive signal for the merger because a united NCP will bring secular, progressive, and minority votes that the BJP has not been able to get,” said a source.