Last updated:
Pawar’s refusal to publicly express support for the delimitation bill, his meeting with PM Modi and fresh merger speculations have ensured that Maharashtra politics remains in suspense.
A style of calibrated ambiguity has been the hallmark of Sharad Pawar’s politics for decades. (Reuters)
Veteran Maharashtra leader Sharad Pawar is once again at the center of political intrigue. A series of meetings, carefully worded statements and strategic silence have given rise to speculation that the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), or NCP (SP), may be keeping its options open amid pressure from the Center for the controversial delimitation bill and renewed talks of reconciliation within the fractured NCP.
but it is Sharad Pawar Preparing for a political realignment, or is this another example of the experienced leader keeping every option alive until the last moment?
What created the stir?
This speculation has been fueled by three developments one after the other:
Read this also Merger of NCP first, entry into NDA later: BJP’s ‘masterplan’ in Maharashtra inside!
1. Sharad Pawar refuses to clearly state whether NCP (SP) will support the Center Proposed Delimitation Bill If it is offered during the monsoon session.
2. Pawar and daughter Supriya Sule, a day after joining the opposition’s protest at Jantar Mantar against the NEET paper leak Met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
3. Reports have resurfaced suggesting behind-the-scenes discussions on a possible reunion of the two divided NCP factions between Sharad Pawar and his late nephew Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar.
Although none of these developments individually confirm any political shift, together they have revived questions about Pawar’s long-term strategy.
Why is the Delimitation Bill so important?
It is expected that Narendra Modi government will once again emphasize on this Constitutional amendment related to delimitation process.
Since constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in Parliament, every non-NDA party that can potentially support assumes greater importance.
The NCP (SP), though small in numbers, could become politically significant if the government falls short of the required numbers. According to reports, the Center is approaching several regional parties to build a broad consensus.
What has Sharad Pawar said?
Interestingly, Pawar has decided not to answer the central political question.
Read this also Sharad Pawar and the politics of possibility: Why everyone in NCP (SP) is starting to understand each other again
When he was repeatedly asked whether his party would support the delimitation bill, he avoided a direct answer, unlike many Indian block allies who have openly opposed the proposal. The refusal to commit in any way has become the biggest reason behind the current speculation.
Supriya Sule’s statement has given rise to speculations
The ambiguity deepened after Supriya Sule indicated that the NCP (SP) may consider supporting the bill if the government gives a written assurance that every state will get an equal 50 per cent increase in Lok Sabha seats.
“State 50 per cent of the conditions on paper, then we will discuss,” Sule said at a press conference last week. “The bill is still not with us. Till we do not have it, I cannot say anything on the bill,” she said.
Such a position differs from outright opposition and suggests that the party may negotiate rather than reject the proposal outright.
Why were eyebrows raised on Modi’s meeting?
This time proved politically important.
Just a day before, Sharad Pawar had stood with the opposition leaders at Jantar Mantar. Within 24 hours he is meeting PM Modi along with Supriya Sule.
NCP (SP) said Pawar only conveyed the concerns raised by the protesters. However, opposition leaders and political observers said the meeting came at the same time as the government is trying to garner support for key constitutional legislation, including delimitation.
Is NCP reunification also being discussed?
Yes, but this idea is not new.
Since Ajit Pawar broke the NCP and joined the BJP-led grand alliance government in 2023, speculations of a reunion have come up again and again.
Recent reports suggest that talks have again intensified between leaders of the two camps, although neither faction has officially confirmed the merger talks.
Read this also Sunetra Pawar’s litmus test, finance portfolio and Fadnavis meetings: Inside NCP’s new power play
Some observers believe that Sharad Pawar may be exploring whether a reunification could strengthen the party ahead of future elections. Others argue that he is merely ensuring that communication channels remain open with each political player.
Why would Sharad Pawar keep his cards closed?
Political observers have long described Pawar as one of India’s most pragmatic coalition builders.
By not committing early, he retains the flexibility to negotiate better political terms, prevent divisions within his party, maintain leverage with both the Indian faction and the NDA, and wait until the final shape of the delimitation bill becomes clear.
This style of calibrated ambiguity has been the hallmark of Pawar’s politics for decades.
How has the opposition responded?
Within the Indian camp, Pawar’s silence has created uneasiness.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has insisted that any stance on delimitation should be taken collectively by the alliance rather than by individual parties, underscoring concerns that mixed signals could weaken opposition unity.
Is it about survival or legacy?
Political analysts believe Pawar faces one of the toughest strategic choices of his long career as he has to weigh political survival against political legacy. On the one hand, remaining firmly within the Bharat faction maintains his image as one of the tallest leaders of the opposition. On the other hand, Ajit Pawar’s reduction in his party’s electoral footprint after his 2023 rebellion means that keeping communication channels open with the BJP-led NDA may provide greater political relevance and organizational survival. In this context, Pawar’s current ambiguity reflects this balancing act rather than an imminent change in allegiance.
Historically too, Pawar has preferred dialogue rather than confrontation, often waiting until the last possible moment before revealing his final political position. That reputation has further fueled speculation about his silence on delimitation.
Keep an eye on future activities
As of now, there is no confirmation whether NCP (SP) is moving closer to NDA or planning to merge with Ajit Pawar’s faction.
However, Pawar’s refusal to publicly express support for the delimitation bill, his meeting with PM Modi and fresh merger speculations have ensured that Maharashtra politics remains in a state of suspense.
Unless the delimitation bill is formally introduced, or Pawar clearly states his position, the veteran leader’s silence is likely to remain the biggest political story.
Sharad Pawar’s strategic silence on the delimitation bill and his meeting with PM Modi has created unease within the Indian camp, with concerns that mixed signals could weaken opposition unity.
About the author
Apoorva Mishra is a News Editor at News18.com and has a keen interest in politics and current affairs. She loves uncovering new angles and telling stories through long-form features and explainers. Follow…read more
read more
