Speculation over Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar possibly joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or altering his party's political alignment gathered momentum in Maharashtra on Thursday. However, the NCP (SP) strongly dismissed the reports, calling them "baseless" and alleging that they were aimed at weakening the Opposition alliance ahead of key political developments in the state.

The rumours surfaced a day after Sharad Pawar attended a high-level meeting on the long-pending Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute at the Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai. Following the meeting, Pawar met his party MLAs inside the office of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, a move that triggered widespread political speculation.

Party Rejects NDA Claims

Responding to the reports, Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Shashikant Shinde categorically denied any possibility of the party joining the NDA. He described the reports as "rumours" and maintained that they were being circulated to create confusion within the Opposition camp.

The clarification came amid growing political discussions suggesting that the Sharad Pawar-led faction could either align with the BJP-led NDA or consider a merger with the Congress. Party leaders, however, reiterated that no such proposal had been discussed within the organisation.

Meeting with Shinde Triggers Speculation

The political buzz intensified after Sharad Pawar's visit to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's chamber immediately after the state government's committee meeting on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border issue.

The veteran leader also interacted with NCP (SP) MLAs at Shinde's office, leading to speculation about a possible shift in political equations.

Adding to the intrigue, reports also highlighted a recent meeting between BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde and senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil at a hotel in Mumbai, although neither side indicated that the interaction carried any political significance.

Jayant Patil Explains the Meeting

Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil dismissed suggestions that Sharad Pawar's meeting in Shinde's office reflected any political understanding with the ruling alliance.

According to Patil, the venue was chosen purely for logistical convenience. He explained that party MLAs wanted to meet Pawar before leaving the Vidhan Bhavan, and since the Deputy Chief Minister's office was located close to the exit, it was considered the most practical place for the interaction, particularly keeping in mind Pawar's age and health.

Differences Within Opposition Surface

The developments have also triggered fresh tensions within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the Opposition alliance comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP).

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticised Pawar's meeting with Eknath Shinde, describing it as the "glorification of traitors." At the same time, Raut expressed confidence that Sharad Pawar would not join the NDA and said he intended to discuss the matter directly with the veteran leader.

Responding to the criticism, NCP (SP) spokesperson Amol Matele defended Pawar's visit, stating that meeting a Deputy Chief Minister occupying a constitutional office should not be viewed through a political lens.

Matele argued that a leader with over five decades of political experience did not require advice on political decisions. He added that discussions on issues such as the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute, drought relief, reservations and development were part of normal governance.

He also questioned why Pawar's meetings with Opposition leaders were considered politically appropriate while his interaction with Eknath Shinde was being interpreted differently.

Political Significance Ahead of Future Elections

Although the NCP (SP) has firmly denied reports of joining the NDA, the episode has highlighted the fragile political atmosphere in Maharashtra, where every high-profile meeting is being closely watched for signs of changing alliances.

With state politics expected to intensify in the coming months, leaders across parties are likely to remain under scrutiny as speculation over potential realignments continues.