NCP Merger Talks Gather Pace: Sunetra and Parth Pawar Oppose Move as BJP Eyes Sharad Pawar’s NDA Entry

November 6, 2026

Mumbai: Speculation around a possible merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has gained steam, however the Ajit Pawar led faction is reportedly looking to merge the party in Maharashtra. However, Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar are reportedly not in favour of the merger.

On the other hand, the faction led by senior leaders Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel is reportedly in favour of the merger. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also said to be in favour of Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) merging with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

However, Sharad Pawar has been admitted to the hospital in Mumbai. Praful Patel visited Breach Candy Hospital on Thursday evening to check on the Senior Leader’s health. During the meeting the two leaders reportedly discussed about a possible merger of the NCP.

Praful Patel And Sharad Pawar Discuss Merger

Sources said that the two leaders discussed about a possible merger of the two factions of the party. They also reportedly discussed about the message Prime Minister Narendra Modi had shared with Sharad Pawar during a previous phone call.

As Sharad Pawar has been repeatedly admitted to the hospital, there are questions over whether Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar will be in favour.

This could cause complications as they are reportedly not in favour while sections of the Ajit Pawar led faction are reportedly in favour.

What Will The BJP Gain?

The BJP will stand to gain in the political front if the NCP merges. They can gain 8 crucial MPs from the NCP (SP) camp.

Sharad Pawar is one of the senior leaders from the INDIA bloc and if he moves closer to the NDA it will hit the opposition alliance politically.

However, this could depend on what happens during talks between the two factions.

What Can Sharad Pawar’s Camp Gain?

The merger could give leaders from the Sharad Pawar-led faction an opportunity.

Supriya Sule who is the daughter of Sharad Pawar could be considered for a Cabinet post at the Centre. She would also have a more secured future in the party if they merged.

Jayant Patil, a senior leader from the NCP could also be given the Finance department in the Maharashtra Cabinet.

Why Has Sharad Pawar Been Admitted To Hospital?

Sharad Pawar was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after falling ill with a cough and infection. He was reportedly suffering from symptoms of bronchitis, according to his doctor. He is being treated and is in a stable condition.

Previously, Pawar had been discharged from Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune after spending two days there.

During his last admission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called the veteran leader.

Modi had shared a message during the call. “Supriya Sule is ready, we will look after the country,” Vitthal Maniyar, a close friend of Sharad Pawar had told the media. Modi also reportedly told Pawar not to worry about the country and to look after his health.

While the merger talks have brought a new twist to the political equations in Maharashtra, there is uncertainty over whether the NCP factions will merge due to Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar not being in favour.