BJP keeps close watch as Sharad, Ajit Pawar factions weigh NCP reunion ahead of Maharashtra local polls

New Delhi | Mumbai: The BJP is keeping a close watch on a merger possibility of the two factions of NCP in Maharashtra amid the recent indication of NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar that a reunion was possible depending on the decision taken by the party leaders.

The NCP (SP) has eight MPs in the Lok Sabha and two MPs in the Rajya Sabha. If the two factions decide to come together, the combined strength of the united NCP in the Lok Sabha would be nine and five in the Rajya Sabha.

Sources in the BJP told ET that a good number of NCP (SP) MPs are willing to join hands with the NCP faction led by Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar. However, there are a few leaders who are opposing the merger. NSP (SP) leaders, including its Wardha MP Amar Kale, Dindori MP Bhaskar Bhagare and a few others are not in favour of joining hands with the Ajit-led faction.

BJP leaders told ET that it was the decision of the two factions and the BJP can step in only after a decision has been taken. The BJP leadership made it clear though that right now the question of inducting NCP (SP) leaders in the Union cabinet was hypothetical. Some BJP leaders also feel that the talks of a merger have started in the wake of upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra scheduled to be held in October where senior Pawar may be looking at some gains by joining hands with his nephew-led faction of the NCP.

However, some BJP leaders are also wary of the political maneuvering by Sharad Pawar where he is often seen making a statement and doing completely the opposite of that which is making the BJP cautious also. The BJP has left the decision for NCP leader Ajit Pawar.

Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar has told his top party leaders that there was no truth to the claims of a merger between the NCP factions. Ajit, in a meeting with his top party leaders on Tuesday night, told them that there were no merger talks going on between his faction and the one led by Sharad Pawar.

Referring to reports of a merger, that was spurred after Sharad Pawar, in an interview, hinted about some of his party members being keen to join the Ajit-led NCP faction, the deputy CM told his party leaders that Sharad Pawar had probably said that to keep his party members in check as several of them were giving overtures to join his (Ajit) faction.

Out of 10 MLA, at least three to four MLAs from the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction are keen that their faction merges with the NCP (Ajit) faction and have suggested to the senior Pawar that the two factions could benefit if they joined hands.