Sharad Pawar Next? Will MPs From NCP (SP) Join BJP-Led NDA?
Reports suggesting that five of eight Lok Sabha MPs from Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) may join the BJP-led NDA have intensified political speculation in Maharashtra. The reports have prompted Sharad Pawar to hold meetings aimed at maintaining party unity. Meanwhile, discussions about opposition consolidation and possible Congress-NCP cooperation have added to the political uncertainty.
Speculation over a possible split within the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) has intensified after reports suggested that five of the party's eight Lok Sabha MPs are considering joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The reports have triggered fresh political debate in Maharashtra and raised questions about the future of Sharad Pawar's faction ahead of key political battles.
The rumours come amid a broader wave of political realignments. Recent reports of defections involving Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs and members of Shiv Sena (UBT) have shifted attention toward the NCP (SP), with observers closely watching whether the veteran leader can keep his parliamentary bloc intact.
Will MPs From NCP (SP) Join BJP-Led NDA?
According to reports, five of the eight Lok Sabha MPs from the NCP (SP) are weighing a move to the NDA, a development that could significantly weaken Sharad Pawar's position in national politics.
The speculation gained further momentum following reports of a recent meeting between Sunetra Pawar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. While no official statement has linked the meeting to any potential political shift, it has added to discussions surrounding the party's future.
Political observers say the reports have increased pressure on the NCP (SP), which has already faced challenges following previous splits within the broader Nationalist Congress Party.
NDA Eyes Stronger Parliamentary Numbers
The reported political manoeuvring comes as the NDA seeks to strengthen its numbers in Parliament. According to reports, the ruling alliance is looking to secure a structural two-thirds majority that could help it advance major legislative and constitutional initiatives, including proposals such as the Uniform Civil Code and the Delimitation Bill.
While no formal announcements have been made regarding the alleged defections, the developments have become a key topic of discussion in Maharashtra's political circles.
Sharad Pawar Moves to Prevent Possible Split
Amid growing speculation, Sharad Pawar reportedly convened an urgent meeting of senior party leaders on June 19.
The meeting was aimed at ensuring unity within the parliamentary bloc and countering what opposition leaders have described as "Operation Tiger" — an alleged effort to encourage defections from opposition parties.
Party leaders are expected to discuss the issue further during a meeting of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) legislators in Mumbai on June 24, where alliance partners are likely to coordinate their response to the defection rumours.
Congress-NCP Merger Talks Surface
At the same time, reports have emerged suggesting that Congress leaders are exploring the possibility of a strategic merger with NCP (SP).
The discussions are reportedly aimed at strengthening the opposition bloc in Maharashtra and preventing further fragmentation among parties opposed to the BJP-led alliance. No official decision has been announced, but the reports have added another dimension to the ongoing political uncertainty surrounding the NCP (SP).
Sanjay Raut Calls for Opposition Unity
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut recently urged Sharad Pawar to take the lead in bringing together parties that originated from the Congress. "There are leaders who were part of the Congress and Congress-led governments, and they still espouse the same ideology," Raut said.
"If this (Congress) ideology comes together, then it will pose a big challenge to (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi. Pawar should take an initiative regarding this," the Rajya Sabha MP told reporters. Raut also argued that Congress needs to become stronger and that leaders of smaller parties that emerged from it must recognise the current political situation.
The coming days are expected to be crucial for Sharad Pawar and his party. While reports of possible defections continue to circulate, no NCP (SP) MP has publicly confirmed plans to join the NDA. However, the speculation has placed the party under renewed scrutiny and highlighted the fluid nature of Maharashtra politics.
Whether Sharad Pawar succeeds in keeping his faction united or faces further erosion of support could become clearer as political discussions intensify in the weeks ahead.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2026 03:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).