Delimitation, PM Modi Meet And Merger Buzz: Why Sharad Pawar Is Playing The Waiting Game

Last Updated:July 23, 2026, 07:41 IST

Pawar's refusal to publicly rule out support for Delimitation Bill, his meeting with PM Modi & renewed merger speculation have ensured that Maharashtra politics remains in suspense

Veteran Maharashtra leader Sharad Pawar is once again at the centre of political intrigue. A series of meetings, carefully worded statements and strategic silences have sparked speculation that the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), or NCP (SP), may be keeping its options open ahead of the Centre’s push for the contentious Delimitation Bill and amid renewed chatter of a reconciliation within the fractured NCP.

But is Pawar preparing for a political realignment, or is this simply another example of the veteran leader keeping every option alive until the last moment?

What Triggered The Buzz?

The speculation has been fuelled by three developments in quick succession:

1. Sharad Pawar refused to clearly state whether the NCP (SP) would support the Centre’s proposed Delimitation Bill if it is introduced during the Monsoon Session.

2. A day after joining opposition protests at Jantar Mantar against the NEET paper leak, Pawar and daughter Supriya Sule met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

3. Reports have resurfaced suggesting behind-the-scenes discussions on a possible reunification of the two NCP factions split between Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar, the wife of his deceased nephew Ajit Pawar.

While none of these developments individually confirms any political shift, together they have revived questions about Pawar’s long-term strategy.

Why Is The Delimitation Bill So Important?

The Narendra Modi government is expected to once again push for a constitutional amendment linked to the delimitation exercise.

Since constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in Parliament, every non-NDA party that could potentially extend support assumes greater significance.

The NCP (SP), though small in numbers, could become politically important if the government falls short of the required strength. According to reports, the Centre has been reaching out to multiple regional parties to build wider consensus.

What Has Sharad Pawar Said?

Interestingly, Pawar has chosen not to answer the central political question.

When repeatedly asked whether his party would support the Delimitation Bill, he avoided giving a direct reply, unlike several INDIA bloc partners who have openly opposed the proposal. His refusal to commit either way has become the biggest reason behind the current speculation.

Supriya Sule’s Statement Adds To Speculation

The ambiguity deepened after Supriya Sule indicated that the NCP (SP) could consider supporting the Bill if the government provides a written assurance that every state would receive a uniform 50 per cent increase in Lok Sabha seats.

“Give the 50 per cent condition on paper, then we will discuss," Sule said at a press conference last week. “The Bill is still not with us. I can’t speak on the Bill unless it is with us," she added.

Such a position differs from outright opposition and suggests the party may negotiate rather than reject the proposal outright.

Why Did The Modi Meeting Raise Eyebrows?

The timing proved politically significant.

Only a day earlier, Sharad Pawar had stood alongside opposition leaders at Jantar Mantar. Within 24 hours, he was meeting PM Modi along with Supriya Sule.

The NCP (SP) maintained that Pawar merely conveyed concerns raised by protesters. However, opposition leaders and political observers noted that the meeting came precisely when the government is trying to gather support for key constitutional legislation, including delimitation.

Is An NCP Reunion Also Being Discussed?

Yes, but the idea is not new.

Since Ajit Pawar split the NCP in 2023 and joined the BJP-led Mahayuti government, speculation over a reunion has surfaced repeatedly.

Recent reports suggest conversations between leaders from both camps have intensified again, although neither faction has officially confirmed merger talks.

Some observers believe Sharad Pawar may be exploring whether reunification could strengthen the party before future elections. Others argue he is merely ensuring communication channels remain open with every political player.

Why Would Sharad Pawar Keep His Cards Close?

Political observers have long described Pawar as one of India’s most pragmatic coalition builders.

By not committing early, he retains flexibility to negotiate better political terms, prevent divisions within his own party, preserve leverage with both the INDIA bloc and the NDA, and wait until the final shape of the Delimitation Bill becomes clear.

This style of calibrated ambiguity has been a hallmark of Pawar’s politics for decades.

How Has The Opposition Reacted?

Within the INDIA bloc, Pawar’s silence has prompted unease.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has insisted that any stand on delimitation should be taken collectively by the alliance rather than by individual parties, underlining concerns that mixed signals could weaken Opposition unity.

Is This About Survival Or Legacy?

Political analysts believe Pawar is facing one of the toughest strategic choices of his long career as he has to weigh political survival against political legacy. On one hand, remaining firmly within the INDIA bloc preserves his image as one of the Opposition’s tallest leaders. On the other, his party’s shrinking electoral footprint after Ajit Pawar’s 2023 rebellion means keeping communication channels open with the BJP-led NDA could offer greater political relevance and organisational survival. In this context, Pawar’s current ambiguity reflects this balancing act rather than an imminent shift in allegiance.

Historically too, Pawar has preferred negotiation over confrontation, often waiting until the last possible moment before revealing his final political position. That reputation has only added to the speculation surrounding his silence on delimitation.

Eye On Future Moves

For now, there is no confirmation that the NCP (SP) is moving closer to the NDA or planning a merger with Ajit Pawar’s faction.

However, Pawar’s refusal to publicly rule out support for the Delimitation Bill, combined with his meeting with PM Modi and renewed merger speculation, has ensured that Maharashtra politics remains in a state of suspense.

Until 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.

About the Author

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is a News Editor at News18.com with a keen interest in politics and current affairs. She loves uncovering fresh angles and telling stories through long-form features and explainers. Foll...Read More

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