Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 18: The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) is considering joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with both sides reportedly examining a possible formula for political realignment, according to a CNN-News18 report citing sources.

The report said any alliance between the NCP-SP and the BJP-led NDA would likely require a reunification of the party's two rival factions – the Sharad Pawar faction and the Ajit Pawar faction. A final decision is expected within the next eight to 15 days, the sources said.

If finalised, the move could significantly alter Maharashtra's political landscape. According to the report, leaders from both NCP factions and the NDA have held several meetings in recent weeks, fuelling speculation over a possible alliance.

The NCP split in July 2023 after Ajit Pawar and several senior leaders joined the BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra.

According to the report, if a merger between the two factions does not materialise, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP may still join the NDA as a separate party or extend support to the government from either within or outside the alliance.

Sources quoted by CNN-News18 said that a majority of MLAs and MPs from the Sharad Pawar camp favour joining the NDA directly, believing that participation in both the Union and Maharashtra governments would strengthen the organisation, boost worker morale and aid the party's expansion.

The report further claimed that Sunetra Pawar wants to retain the post of NCP president if the two factions reunite. It also said she has sought the finance portfolio in the Maharashtra government for her party, while the Sharad Pawar faction is also reportedly interested in the same department.

As of mid-2026, the two factions continue to function separately at both the state and national levels. The report noted that discussions on a possible reunion had surfaced earlier as well.

The speculation comes as the BJP-led NDA is preparing to reintroduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The proposed legislation seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats and expedite the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures.

The NCP-SP currently has eight members in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha. According to the report, its support could be significant for the government in securing the special two-thirds majority required to pass the constitutional amendment.