NCP(SP) next after UBT Sena? Party split rumours gather pace

Days after six Lok Sabha MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) quit and joined the Shiv Sena (Shinde), Maharashtra's political circles are abuzz with speculation that the NCP(SP) could be the next target for a split.

At least five MPs from the NCP(SP) are also said to be on the way to the ruling Mahayuti alliance. However, there is a catch. The NCP(SP) MPs are reportedly being poached not by the rival NCP faction, but by Shiv Sena. The reason is that the NCP (now led by Sunetra Pawar) itself is facing internal turbulence after the death of Ajit Pawar and is not in a position to engineer defections.

The growing prominence of Parth Pawar within the party is said to have caused unease among several senior leaders. Parth apparently has been taking organisational decisions without consulting the senior leadership ( read Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare). Not just within the party, Parth is also alleged to have begun interfering in the functioning of NCP ministers in the Devendra Fadnavis government.


A few NCP ministers have complained that Parth has been seeking detailed information on tenders issued by departments under their charge. Those familiar with the developments said Parth is moving quickly to consolidate his position within the party. Recently, Parth was in Delhi and met senior BJP leaders.

It is learnt that he requested the BJP leadership that all future communication with the NCP leadership be routed through him.