The increasing influence of Member of Parliament Parth Pawar has led to rising unease within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), prompting a delegation of senior leaders to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. This meeting aimed to discuss the party’s political future, the restoration of the Finance portfolio in Maharashtra, and unresolved organisational matters. The gathering has highlighted the widening rift between Parth Pawar and the party’s veteran members.

The delegation included prominent figures such as Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, Sunil Tatkare, Sameer Bhujbal, and Praful Patel. Notably absent were party president Sunetra Pawar and MP Parth Pawar, which has intensified speculation regarding internal divisions within the party. This meeting follows a previous encounter on October 20, where Sunetra and Parth Pawar met with Amit Shah without the presence of Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, raising questions about communication within the NCP.

Sources indicate that several senior leaders are dissatisfied with the recent decisions and appointments made under the new leadership. There is a growing concern about the direct engagement of Sunetra and Parth Pawar with the BJP’s central leadership, allegedly without involving senior party functionaries. These tensions reportedly extend to the roles of Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, who have historically held significant positions within the organisation.

Finance Portfolio and Potential Merger Discussions

The Finance portfolio remains a critical issue for the NCP, as Ajit Pawar previously held this position. Senior leaders are advocating for its restoration in the upcoming cabinet reshuffle in Maharashtra. On October 25, the NCP’s core committee convened at Ajit Pawar’s official residence in Mumbai. Following the meeting, Chhagan Bhujbal informed the media that there were no ongoing discussions regarding a merger between the two factions of the NCP, although the demand for the Finance portfolio was indeed discussed.

Speculation about a potential merger between the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and the Ajit Pawar-led faction has intensified, particularly in light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Baramati. Political analysts are considering the implications of such a merger, although neither faction has made any formal announcements. Sources within the NCP suggest that any merger would likely require the approval of the BJP, given the party’s need for Sharad Pawar’s support in Parliament.

A senior NCP leader remarked that merging the two factions could enable the party to reclaim the Finance portfolio while simultaneously strengthening the NDA’s position at the Centre. This potential realignment reflects the ongoing negotiations and power dynamics within the party.

MLC Election Results Highlight Leadership Challenges

The recent results of the Legislative Council elections have further underscored the internal challenges facing the NCP. The party chose not to contest the Pune Graduates constituency, traditionally viewed as a stronghold, which reportedly disappointed many senior leaders. In the elections for five Legislative Council seats, the Mahayuti secured two seats, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi won three.

Discontent has emerged among senior NCP leaders regarding the decision to abstain from contesting in Pune. According to one leader, veteran functionaries had advocated for the party to participate in the election, but the new leadership did not demonstrate sufficient interest. This decision, along with the election results, has amplified concerns about the party’s trajectory under its current leadership.

In response to the growing speculation about internal discord, NCP national chief spokesperson Umesh Patil has dismissed claims suggesting that the meeting with Amit Shah indicates a lack of coordination within the party. He characterised the meeting as pre-planned and formal, alleging that certain external forces are attempting to create an artificial narrative of discord. Despite these denials, the sequence of meetings and the absence of key leaders from the latest delegation continue to draw attention to the evolving power dynamics within the NCP.

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