BJP Conditions NCP Alliance on Merger to Pass Key Bills

The Bharatiya Janata Party is attempting to facilitate a merger between the rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party to secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament. This legislative strength is required to pass the Delimitation Bill and the Women's Reservation Bill, both of which failed in April 2026. To incentivize unity, the BJP has reportedly offered two Union Cabinet berths to the unified entity.

Internal conflicts hinder the merger. While some legislators in the Sharadchandra Pawar (SP) faction favor joining the National Democratic Alliance, party president Sunetra Pawar and her son, Parth Pawar, oppose the move to prevent Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule from regaining party control. Sunetra Pawar has insisted on retaining her roles as party chief and deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, while also seeking the state finance portfolio.

Rumors of a deal intensified following late-night meetings in Mumbai between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leaders, including Jayant Patil. However, the NCP (SP) has rejected these reports. Working president Supriya Sule denied backdoor negotiations, asserting that the party's position on delimitation is determined through consultations with the INDIA bloc. Similarly, Maharashtra Congress MLA Nana Patole dismissed the merger speculations, stating that Jayant Patil confirmed the party would remain with the INDIA bloc.