Pune: NCP Merger Talks Back in Focus as Sharad Pawar Calls Core Committee Meet on Aug 29
Pune, 25th August 2026: Speculation over a possible reunion of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has gained momentum in Maharashtra again, with NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar convening a crucial meeting of the party’s core committee in Mumbai on August 29.
The meeting is expected to discuss the party’s future course as well as the possibility of a merger with the Sunetra Pawar-led NCP, according to party sources. The merger speculation has intensified following a recent meeting between Sharad Pawar and Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar.
The development has also drawn attention to a recent change in the tone of leaders from the two factions, who have largely avoided direct criticism of each other after years of bitter attacks following the NCP split.
Party sources said grassroots workers in several parts of the state have been expressing a desire for the two factions to reunite ahead of the 2029 Assembly elections. The leadership is believed to have taken note of these sentiments, prompting renewed discussions within the party.
“Several grassroots workers have been in favour of a merger with the other faction. The party leadership has taken this feedback seriously. The possibility of a merger is likely to be discussed at the core committee meeting,” a senior NCP (SP) functionary said.
The possibility of a merger had earlier been ruled out by some NCP (SP) leaders. State president Shashikant Shinde had said that party members would not discuss the issue. However, sources now claim that some senior leaders are willing to open a dialogue with members of the Sunetra Pawar-led faction.
The developments have also fuelled speculation about broader political realignments in the state. Recent meetings involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sharad Pawar, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have added to the political buzz.
Since the NCP split, the two factions have been sharply critical of each other. However, the recent avoidance of direct attacks by leaders from both sides has further fuelled speculation that efforts may be underway for a possible political reunion.
The August 29 core committee meeting is therefore being closely watched for any indication of the NCP (SP)’s position on a possible merger.
