Mumbai, October 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra has ruled out a merger with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), reaffirming its commitment to the ruling Mahayuti alliance and rejecting any arrangement that could compromise its organisational autonomy.
The decision followed a core committee meeting on Sunday, where the party reiterated that it would continue its independent political course alongside the BJP and Shiv Sena.
The meeting came amid reports of discussions involving NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule and the sons of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Parth and Jay Pawar, on the possibility of reunification or a merger. The reported proposal involved conditions concerning leadership positions and ministerial representation.
The ruling faction rejected the prospect of transferring organisational control to Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule. Veteran NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal made the party’s position clear, saying, “The merger was not on the cards and it won’t be in future too.”
The disagreement centres on leadership, organisational authority and representation in government. The reported proposal included senior organisational roles for Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, along with ministerial berths for Jayant Patil, Rohit Pawar and Jitendra Awhad. Questions over the position of NCP president and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar also remain significant to any possible reconciliation.
The ruling NCP has sought to consolidate its position within the Mahayuti after securing recognition and the party symbol from the Election Commission. Maintaining its separate structure also preserves its role in negotiations over cabinet representation and electoral seat-sharing.
For the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), the rejection leaves the faction operating separately within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
The ruling faction, however, continues to face internal organisational challenges, including reported tensions between younger leaders and senior party members. The effectiveness of its leadership structure and coordination between party functionaries and government representatives could shape its future political prospects.
For now, the core committee’s decision closes the door on an immediate merger and reinforces the existing political alignment in Maharashtra.
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