Sharad Pawar’s NCP To Merge With Congress? Party Sources Say Talks in Final Stage
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has confirmed that talks are underway for a possible merger between Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) and Congress. Sources say discussions at senior levels in Delhi are in advanced stages, with some NCP (SP) leaders supporting the move while others favour joining the NDA. The final decision has not yet been announced by either party.
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Talks about a possible merger between Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction and the Congress are underway, senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has confirmed to NDTV. The discussions come amid reports of shifting political alignments within Maharashtra and broader national-level realignments among regional parties.
The development has sparked renewed speculation about the future of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), which has already been under pressure following internal divisions and the split triggered by Ajit Pawar in 2023. While no formal decision has been announced, senior leaders indicate that discussions are progressing at the highest levels. Sharad Pawar Next? Will MPs From NCP (SP) Join BJP-Led NDA?
Sharad Pawar’s NCP To Merge With Congress?
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, a former Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra, confirmed that merger talks are ongoing. "The talks with the High Command are on for a merger," Congress' Vijay Wadettiwar, a former leader of Opposition in Maharashtra, said.
He also indicated that ideological alignment would be a key factor in any future political consolidation. "Those who subscribe to the secular ideals of the Congress and Sharad Pawar are always welcome in our party," he added. Is NCP (SP) Headed for Congress Merger? Here is What Supriya Sule Said About Sanjay Raut’s Remark.
NCP Split and Political Realignment
Sharad Pawar formed the Nationalist Congress Party in 1999 after breaking away from the Congress. In 2023, the party faced a major split when Ajit Pawar led a faction of MLAs to join the ruling BJP–Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra, creating two separate NCP factions.
The division significantly altered Maharashtra’s political landscape, weakening the unified strength of the party and creating competing claims over the NCP’s legacy and organisational structure.
NCP (SP)-Congress Merger Talks in Final Stage, Say Sources
According to sources, discussions between senior leaders in New Delhi regarding a possible merger of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) with the Congress have entered advanced stages.
Sources also claim that the Congress leadership has given a green signal for NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLAs and MPs who are willing to join the party. However, there has been no official confirmation from either party leadership on the final outcome of these discussions.
The 85-year-old Sharad Pawar-led faction is reportedly witnessing internal differences over its political future. One group within the party is said to favour aligning with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), arguing that being part of the ruling coalition could improve access to development funds and constituency-level support.
Sources suggest that this section believes opposition status has limited their ability to push local development and administrative issues.
There are also claims that late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had earlier supported the idea of staying within the NDA framework in case of a reunification of the two NCP factions.
Although that possibility has reportedly weakened, some leaders still believe an independent entry into the NDA remains an option for their faction. A second group within the party, however, is said to strongly favour a merger with the Congress, viewing it as a more ideologically aligned option.
If the merger proceeds, it could significantly reshape opposition politics in Maharashtra and impact broader national-level alliances. However, with internal divisions still present and no official announcement made, the final outcome remains uncertain.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2026 06:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
