Separate meetings between senior leaders from both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday have fuelled fresh political speculation over the future of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and the evolving political landscape in the state. The discussions come amid reports of internal differences within both NCP factions as parties reassess their political strategies ahead of key legislative developments and future electoral contests.

According to reports, NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil first met party chief Sharad Pawar at his Mumbai residence, Silver Oak, before holding a separate meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later in the evening. In a separate development, senior leaders from the ruling Ajit Pawar-led NCP, including Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel, also met the Chief Minister. Neither the participants nor the Chief Minister's Office disclosed the purpose of the meetings, and party sources said they were unaware of the agenda discussed.

The meetings come as the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) faces one of its most significant strategic challenges since Ajit Pawar split the undivided Nationalist Congress Party in July 2023 to join the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. Reports suggest that at least half of the NCP (SP)'s ten MLAs are in favour of joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), arguing that remaining in the Opposition has limited their ability to secure development funds and administrative approvals for projects in their constituencies.

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According to reports, Jayant Patil has conveyed these concerns during discussions with party legislators, while Sharad Pawar has not publicly indicated the party's future course. Although the NCP (SP) holds only ten seats in the Maharashtra Assembly and eight Lok Sabha seats, its support has gained strategic importance as the NDA seeks broader backing for upcoming legislative initiatives, including the proposed delimitation bill.

Political observers note that uncertainty is not limited to the Sharad Pawar faction. Reports indicate that discussions within the NCP (SP) about possible options, including a merger with the Congress or an understanding with the NDA without first pursuing reconciliation with the Ajit Pawar-led faction, have triggered fresh debate within the ruling NCP regarding its own internal leadership and political positioning. These developments have contributed to growing speculation about potential realignments within Maharashtra politics.

The political activity also follows a legal notice issued by former NCP national secretary Sachchidanand Singh challenging the election of Sunetra Pawar as the party's president. Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare dismissed the notice as baseless, stating that the party's core committee would determine its legal response. While no official announcements have emerged from Tuesday's meetings, the developments have intensified speculation over possible shifts in alliances and the future direction of both NCP factions in Maharashtra.

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