Jayant Patil and Jitendra Awhad could join the Maharashtra Cabinet, while Supriya Sule and Praful Patel are tipped for Union ministerial roles under the proposed deal.
As Supriya Sule categorically rejected reports of an NDA switch, sources say six of the NCP (SP)'s 10 Lok Sabha MPs and nine of its 10 MLAs favour joining hands with the BJP.
Sources said most MLAs from both NCP factions back the merger, while Sharad Pawar is keen to bring back senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare to strengthen the party.
Sources said a major faction within the NCP (SP) favours joining the ruling establishment and wants to be part of the NDA at the Centre and the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra.
