Maharashtra: Is Cong-NCP merger on the cards?

New Delhi: Desperate times call for desperate measures. If the buzz in the political circles is to be believed, the Congress and the NCP in Maharashtra are mulling a proposal that could have far-reaching impact on the political equations in the state. After the disastrous performance in the general elections, both parties face the prospect of a rout in the assembly elections and this seemed have spurred some leaders in both parties into some drastic thinking. The proposal—an informal one—goes like this: hand over the reins to Sharad Pawar in the election campaign; in return the NCP will merge with the Congress.

While television channels flashed Sushilkumar Shinde’s name as the replacement for incumbent Prithviraj Chavan as chief minister of Maharashtra on the weekend, the fire seems to have gone out as the new line of thinking has taken over. The proposal, sources say, was mooted by the Congress. The regional party is believed to have conveyed to the Congress high command that it is open to lead the alliance in the assembly election under the guidance of Sharad Pawar, however a merger is not on the cards.

s a merger the only option? The alliance has 15 years of anti-incumbency and a poor show in the general elections to boot. This would mean rehabilitation of Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule in the process if NCP decides to merge with the Congress. It would also mean the dwindling of power for Ajit Pawar who enjoys popularity among majority of the NCP MLA’s. The struggle for absolute power post Sharad Pawar would then move clearly in favour of Supriya Sule. She is a known face in Delhi and would easily fit into the Congress’ scheme of things rather than her cousin who prefers to stay in his home state. This will also help Pawar grab the secular card, as a merger will only strengthen the “secular” forces in the state. NCP is still seen as more of a pro Maratha party rather than a pro minority organisation.