BJP Exercises Strategic Patience as NCP Navigates Post-Ajit Pawar Era
In the wake of Nationalist Congress Party patriarch Sharad Pawar's recent statement suggesting that the merger of the two NCP factions might be "discontinued," the Bharatiya Janata Party has opted for a deliberate wait-and-watch approach. This cautious stance comes even as Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late NCP leader Ajit Pawar, prepares to be sworn in as the new deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, creating a complex political landscape that requires careful navigation.
Balancing Act in Maharashtra's Evolving Political Equation
According to senior BJP leaders familiar with the developments, the party finds itself at a critical juncture where it must perform a significant balancing act in Maharashtra politics. This necessity arises from multiple factors, including Sunetra Pawar's political ascension and the potential for a more assertive Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
"While this matter fundamentally concerns another political party and their internal decisions," explained a senior BJP leader, "it has undeniably brought both Maharashtra state politics and national political considerations into sharp focus within the context of the BJP's alliance responsibilities."
The leader further elaborated that while Sunetra Pawar has been accommodated within the NDA government in Maharashtra with the same position her late husband held, the ongoing mayoral elections in the state have simultaneously elevated the political significance of Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction.
Rajya Sabha Vacancy and Cabinet Reconfiguration Possibilities
BJP insiders reveal that Sunetra Pawar's required resignation from her Rajya Sabha seat—one of three held by the NCP—has generated considerable speculation about potential replacements. This development opens possibilities for both party realignment and ministerial reshuffling at the national level.
"There is a perspective within the BJP that the NCP might utilize this Rajya Sabha vacancy to facilitate a generational transition within the Pawar family," disclosed a source familiar with the discussions. "This could potentially lead to requests for accommodating the new Rajya Sabha member in the Union Council of Ministers, alongside existing representation such as Shiv Sena's Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, who serves as Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare."
The source was referring to a possible reconfiguration of the Union Cabinet that might emerge from these political developments, while emphasizing that any such changes would depend entirely on decisions made by the NCP leadership.
Alliance Dharma Remains Paramount for BJP
Despite the multiple variables at play, BJP sources consistently emphasize that the party's commitment to alliance principles remains unwavering. The delicate political situation requires careful calibration between supporting coalition partners and maintaining the BJP's own strategic interests in Maharashtra and at the national level.
"For the BJP, alliance dharma represents the supreme guiding principle and will be followed meticulously as always," the source added, highlighting the party's intention to honor its coalition commitments while navigating the evolving political landscape.
The coming weeks are expected to bring greater clarity as the NCP finalizes its position regarding the potential merger discontinuation and Sunetra Pawar establishes her political priorities—whether focusing on consolidating the party's base in Maharashtra, seeking representation at the Centre through parliamentary positions, or pursuing both objectives simultaneously.
