Maharashtra NCP factions weigh delimitation reform and potential BJP alliance

Leaders from both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) met late at night with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, fueling speculation that veteran leader Sharad Pawar may join the BJP‑led alliance. The meeting followed internal unrest after the death of Ajit Pawar, his wife Sunetra Pawar’s elevation to party chief and deputy chief minister, and criticism from party national secretary Sachidanand Singh, who called her appointment “illegal” and “void”. Journalists note that several NCP MLAs and MPs have reportedly opened channels with the BJP, citing poor performance in recent municipal elections and challenges faced by opposition legislators in securing development funds.

Separately, NCP working president Supriya Sule said the party would back the pending delimitation bill only if the Centre adopts a “50 percent expansion formula” that would increase Lok Sabha seats by half in every state. She outlined the proposal – for example, raising Maharashtra’s seats from 48 to 72 – and said the NCP would discuss it with the INDIA bloc after meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The NCP’s stance links the delimitation debate to broader strategic calculations amid ongoing talks with the BJP government.