NDA explores 2029 election alignment

The NDA is reportedly exploring the possibility of holding Assembly elections in 22 NDA-ruled states and Union Territories alongside the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, potentially bringing forward the first phase of simultaneous polls from the 2034 timeline currently envisaged under the proposed legislation.

The plan, if pursued, could involve dissolving several state Assemblies before the completion of their existing terms. The move would represent a significant change from the election cycle outlined in the One Nation One Election Bills currently being examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

What the current Bills propose

The Joint Committee of Parliament was constituted in December 2024 to examine the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

Under the framework proposed in the Bills, the terms of Assemblies elected after the first sitting of the Lok Sabha following a general election would be adjusted so that their elections could eventually be synchronised.

As the Bills currently stand, the earliest full cycle of simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections would be in 2034.

However, the reported NDA proposal would seek to achieve an earlier alignment by using the constitutional mechanism for dissolving state Assemblies.

22 states could be brought into cycle

Of the 22 NDA-ruled states and UTs reportedly being considered, 11 are scheduled to face Assembly elections during the two years preceding the 2029 Lok Sabha election.

Four NDA-ruled states — Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Odisha — already hold Assembly elections alongside Lok Sabha polls.

If the NDA retains its governments in the other states, their Assemblies could potentially be dissolved before their scheduled terms end, allowing elections to be held alongside the 2029 general election.

The proposal would require some states to accept significantly shortened Assembly terms.

Terms could be cut by years

Under the reported plan, Goa, Gujarat, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand could see their Assembly terms shortened by around three years.

Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan and Tripura could face reductions of around four years because their elections are currently scheduled for 2027 or 2028.

Delhi has also indicated that it could consider adjusting its Assembly tenure if necessary to align elections nationally.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has expressed a willingness to consider such an adjustment in the national interest.

Opposition raises constitutional concerns

The proposal is likely to intensify the political debate around One Nation One Election, particularly because several Opposition-ruled states have election schedules that do not coincide with the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.

Punjab is due for Assembly elections in 2027, while Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Mizoram and Telangana are scheduled for elections in 2028.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh reiterated the party's opposition to simultaneous elections, describing the proposal as unconstitutional, anti-democratic and detrimental to political accountability.

The Congress and other Opposition parties had also opposed the introduction of the One Nation One Election Bills in Parliament in 2024.

Committee says decision lies with states

Joint Parliamentary Committee chairman P P Chaudhary has indicated that deciding whether elections should be brought forward to 2029 is outside the committee's mandate.

He said the matter would be for NDA Chief Ministers to decide.

The committee has meanwhile continued consultations with state governments, legislators, constitutional experts, academics, legal professionals and other stakeholders. It is expected to submit its report during the Winter Session of Parliament.

Why 2029 matters

Synchronising elections in 2029 would represent a major acceleration of the One Nation One Election proposal. Instead of waiting until the 2034 cycle contemplated by the current Bills, the NDA would seek to create an electoral alignment within the next Lok Sabha term.

However, such a move would require political coordination across states and could trigger major constitutional and political questions over shortened Assembly terms, the autonomy of state governments and the federal structure.

For now, the 2029 proposal remains under discussion. Whether the NDA-ruled states agree to dissolve their Assemblies early — and whether the broader legislative framework receives Parliament's approval — will determine whether simultaneous elections can move from a proposal to an actual electoral timetable.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Janata Dal (United) president and former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at Parliament House, a day after the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) suffered an unexpected setback in the Bankipura Assembly by-election. The meeting, the first between the two leaders after Nitish Kumar became a Rajya Sabha member, primarily focused on Bihar's development agenda, future infrastructure plans and coordination within the NDA, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The meeting came at a politically significant time, with the BJP losing the Bankipura seat—long considered one of its strongholds—to Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party. The constituency was earlier represented by BJP national president Nitin Nabin, making the defeat an important development in Bihar's political landscape ahead of future electoral battles.

Sources said the discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Nitish Kumar were largely centred on accelerating Bihar's development projects and strengthening cooperation between the alliance partners. Nitish Kumar reportedly highlighted several issues requiring Central assistance and sought additional support for infrastructure development, public welfare and other key projects in the state.

According to people familiar with the meeting, the leaders also briefly discussed certain political developments, although no official confirmation was given on whether the recent by-election results formed part of the detailed conversation.

"The discussion mainly revolved around Bihar's development, future planning for the state and coordination within the alliance. Some matters requiring the Centre's support were also raised," a source aware of the meeting said.

Nitish Kumar was accompanied by JD(U) Working President Sanjay Jha and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh during the meeting. Later, the Prime Minister's Office shared a photograph of the interaction, while Nitish Kumar posted on social media that he had paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his office in Parliament House.

The meeting has attracted political attention because it came immediately after the Bankipura by-election result, where Jan Suraaj Party registered a significant victory. Political observers view the outcome as an indication of changing electoral dynamics in Bihar, where Prashant Kishor's party is attempting to establish itself as an alternative political force.

Responding to questions regarding the by-election outcome, BJP leaders maintained that both the BJP and JD(U) would analyse the result. However, they argued that the victory of Jan Suraaj carries greater political implications for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), whose candidate reportedly failed to secure enough votes to retain the election deposit.

While the BJP publicly acknowledged the defeat and attributed it to multiple local factors, the JD(U) has largely refrained from making detailed comments on the outcome. Party leaders, however, admitted that the emergence of a new political force could alter Bihar's traditional caste-based electoral equations.

A senior JD(U) leader said the by-election demonstrated that a section of voters is willing to explore alternatives beyond established political parties. According to the leader, the growing support for Jan Suraaj reflects changing political preferences among some communities and indicates space for a new regional force in the state's politics.

The JD(U) continues to rely on support from Kurmis, Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), non-Yadav Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Mahadalit communities, while the BJP's core support base includes upper-caste voters, sections of OBC communities, and beneficiaries of welfare schemes.

The BJP and JD(U) remain key partners in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and currently govern Bihar together. In the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly, the BJP holds 88 seats, while the JD(U) has 85 MLAs, giving the alliance a comfortable majority. The RJD remains the principal opposition party with 25 legislators, while several smaller regional parties also hold representation in the Assembly.

Political observers believe the recent by-election result may prompt both BJP and JD(U) to reassess their electoral strategy ahead of future contests, even as the alliance leadership publicly continues to emphasise governance, development and coordination between its partners.

Dev said NCPI has aligned with the NDA because it recognises Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its leader, and that the party does not consider Rahul Gandhi its leader — which, she said, is precisely why it has come to the NDA's side. She called it the party's own decision. Dev pushed back against those criticising the move, arguing that no one should comment on the matter until the Lok Sabha Speaker actually rules on it, since a decision from the Speaker's office is still pending.

Turning to the question of defections more broadly, Dev said she wanted to respectfully put a question to Rahul Gandhi. She pointed to the merger of BRS MLAs into the Congress in Telangana, noting that the Speaker in that case took two years to issue any decision — a delay that eventually forced BRS to approach the courts. She asked what Rahul Gandhi's position was on that episode, framing it as a case where the same principle now being invoked against NCPI had gone unaddressed for far longer when it worked in Congress's favour.

Dev's remarks came after the NDA parliamentary group's regular weekly meeting, held Tuesday at Parliament House. The gathering marked the first time MPs who had recently broken away from Trinamool Congress and merged with NCPI attended in person, following the invitation extended to the party ahead of the Monsoon Session.

The comments add another layer to the ongoing dispute over NCPI's political status, with its formal recognition question still sitting before the Lok Sabha Speaker even as its MPs continue attending NDA-aligned meetings in practice.

The roughly hour-long meeting took place at the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Monday. Neither side issued an official statement on what was discussed. Bandyopadhyay is among the 20 MPs who left Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress a few weeks after the West Bengal Assembly elections to join the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) — a move that has kept questions swirling ever since about the party's future direction and political alignment.

According to sources, Adhikari had originally planned to travel to Delhi himself to meet the 20 rebel MPs, but cancelled the trip at the last minute, instead informing some senior NCPI MPs over the phone that he wouldn't be coming. A senior NCPI MP said the proposed meeting between the Chief Minister and the party's MPs has been postponed for now, though all the party's MPs will still attend the scheduled NDA meeting as planned.

The Nabanna meeting has intensified talk that the newly formed NCPI could be moving closer to the BJP-led coalition at the Centre. The party had already signalled a similar direction on July 19, when its MPs attended an all-party meeting convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session — read at the time as an early indication of growing coordination with the ruling alliance.

Since breaking away from TMC, Bandyopadhyay and the other 19 rebel MPs have met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary group, and have also expressed a wish to sit alongside NDA's allied parties in the Lok Sabha. If the Speaker grants recognition to NCPI along with all 20 MPs, the party could become one of the NDA's largest allied groups in the Lok Sabha.

With NCPI's MPs set to attend Tuesday's NDA meeting regardless of the postponed Adhikari sit-down, the coming days are likely to bring further clarity on just how close the two sides are actually moving — and what that could mean for the balance of power both in Parliament and within West Bengal's fractured political landscape.

Treating the Bankipur by-election as a high-stakes contest, the BJP has deployed its top leadership to oversee campaign activities. BJP National President Nitin Naveen arrived in Patna on Saturday, where he was welcomed at the airport by Bihar BJP President Sanjay Sarawagi.

Following his arrival, Naveen held meetings with senior party leaders to review election preparedness, booth management, voter outreach, and campaign strategy. Discussions also focused on highlighting the NDA government's achievements during its initial months in office and effectively communicating them to voters.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to Address Mega Rally

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is scheduled to address a major public rally at Mandiri Nala (Golghar Mandal) in the Bankipur Assembly constituency on Saturday evening. The rally is expected to be a key event in the BJP's campaign.

During his address, the Chief Minister will highlight the state government's development initiatives, welfare schemes, and the NDA's governance agenda while appealing to voters to support the NDA candidate in the by-election.

Rituraj Sinha Leads Extensive Public Outreach

BJP National Secretary Rituraj Sinha has also intensified his campaign across the constituency. Throughout the day, he is participating in multiple public engagements, interacting with various sections of society and promoting the BJP's policies and development agenda.

His schedule includes public meetings at Annapurna Bhavan, an interaction with intellectuals at Rotary Bhavan, a women's outreach program at Pulse Palace in Gautam Nagar, a public meeting in Kachhi Talab, and discussions with community leaders in Mithapur.

Prashant Kishor Focuses on Direct Voter Interaction

On the other side, Jan Suraj founder and Bankipur candidate Prashant Kishor has adopted a grassroots campaign strategy centered on direct engagement rather than large political rallies.

He is conducting tea meetings, neighborhood gatherings, and ward-level interactions throughout the constituency, using these platforms to connect personally with voters and discuss local issues.

Jan Suraj is contesting the by-election under the slogan "Beginning of Change", with the party emphasizing education, employment, corruption, and civic issues as its primary campaign themes. Party workers are also promoting the election symbol, "School Bag," through door-to-door outreach.

Booth-Level Mobilization in Final Phase

As campaigning enters its final stage, all major political parties have activated their booth-level organizations. While the BJP is focusing on structured booth management and extensive door-to-door campaigns, Jan Suraj is relying on small community meetings and direct voter engagement.

With senior leaders actively campaigning and workers reaching out across every ward, the Bankipur Assembly constituency is witnessing an intense political battle as parties make their final push before polling.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed fresh political confrontation on Thursday as members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition INDIA bloc staged parallel protests outside Parliament, triggering a tense face-off that reflected the deepening political divide over the alleged NEET paper leak and recent demonstrations led by the Opposition.

The protests unfolded at the Makar Dwar entrance of the Parliament complex, where leaders from both sides raised slogans against each other while security personnel maintained a tight vigil to prevent any escalation. The confrontation outside Parliament was mirrored inside both Houses, where continuous disruptions led to repeated adjournments of proceedings.

Opposition Targets Government

Leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, participated in the protest demanding accountability from the Centre over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

The Opposition reiterated its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the government had failed to address concerns surrounding the examination process and the alleged paper leak. Opposition MPs raised slogans against the government while accusing it of remaining silent on issues affecting students across the country.

The protest is part of the Opposition's continuing campaign to highlight examination-related controversies during the ongoing Parliament session.

NDA Launches Counter Protest

The ruling NDA also organised a demonstration outside Parliament in response to the Opposition's recent protest near the Prime Minister's official residence on July 21.

NDA MPs accused the Congress of attempting to politicise student issues and criticised the Opposition's decision to stage protests close to the Prime Minister's residence. The ruling alliance maintained that Parliament should function without disruption and urged the Opposition to participate in debates inside the House rather than resorting to demonstrations.

As both groups gathered at the same location, slogan-shouting intensified, creating a charged atmosphere outside the Parliament complex.

Security Steps In

One of the key moments during the protest came when Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra walked towards the area where NDA MPs were protesting while raising slogans against the government.

Security personnel immediately intervened and formed a barrier between the two groups, preventing any direct confrontation. The situation remained under control, although both sides continued raising slogans against each other.

Heavy security deployment remained in place throughout the demonstrations to ensure that the protests did not disrupt movement within the Parliament complex.

Repeated House Disruptions

The political confrontation outside Parliament was accompanied by repeated disruptions inside both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Proceedings in the Lok Sabha were initially adjourned until 2 pm amid persistent sloganeering by Opposition members. When the House reconvened, disruptions continued, prompting the Chair to adjourn proceedings for the day until Friday morning.

The Rajya Sabha also witnessed repeated interruptions. The Upper House was first adjourned until the afternoon due to continuous protests. After proceedings resumed, members again entered the Well of the House, forcing another adjournment until the next day.

The repeated disruptions meant that scheduled legislative business could not proceed as planned.

Political Flashpoints

The NEET paper leak controversy has emerged as one of the Opposition's principal issues during the Monsoon Session. Opposition parties have accused the government of failing to protect the integrity of competitive examinations and have sought greater accountability from the Education Ministry.

The ruling alliance, meanwhile, has defended the government's actions and criticised what it describes as attempts by the Opposition to disrupt parliamentary proceedings for political gain.

The latest confrontation also follows the Opposition's protest near the Prime Minister's residence earlier this week, an event that has become another point of political disagreement between the two sides.

Impact on Parliament

With both alliances continuing their aggressive political campaigns inside and outside Parliament, legislative proceedings have repeatedly suffered interruptions during the initial days of the Monsoon Session.

Political observers believe that unless both sides agree on a framework for discussion, disruptions may continue over the coming days, delaying debate on several important bills and policy matters listed for the session.

The government has indicated its willingness to conduct House business, while Opposition parties have maintained that pressing public issues, particularly those concerning students and examination transparency, must receive priority attention.

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Wednesday morning, with his daughter and party MP Supriya Sule also present during the meeting. Pawar handed over a letter to the Prime Minister, though neither side has revealed the contents of the communication or the issues discussed.

The meeting comes just a day after Pawar visited the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest site at Jantar Mantar, where he met the party's founder Abhijeet Dipke, adding to political interest surrounding his recent engagements.

Letter Submitted to Prime Minister

During the meeting inside Parliament, Sharad Pawar was seen greeting Prime Minister Modi before presenting him with a letter.

While photographs of the interaction were released, there has been no official statement from the Prime Minister's Office or the NCP (SP) regarding the agenda or outcome of the discussion.

The absence of details has led to political speculation, particularly as Parliament continues to witness debates over several key legislative and political issues.

Meeting Comes After Visit to CJP Protest

On the previous day, Sharad Pawar visited the ongoing CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, where he met party founder Abhijeet Dipke.

During the visit, Dipke came down from the protest stage to receive Pawar, highlighting the veteran leader's engagement with the protest movement that has become a major political issue in the national capital.

Pawar's back-to-back meetings with opposition protesters and the Prime Minister have drawn significant political attention.

Speculation Over Delimitation Bill

The Parliament meeting has reignited speculation about the NCP (SP)'s position on the proposed delimitation bill and its future political strategy.

Political observers believe the Centre may seek broader support if the legislation is introduced in Parliament. The NCP (SP), which has eight Lok Sabha MPs, could play a role in the numbers required for the passage of significant legislation.

However, no official confirmation has linked Wednesday's meeting to the proposed bill.

Supriya Sule Rules Out NDA Entry

Earlier, Supriya Sule indicated that the party could consider supporting the proposed delimitation legislation if the government provides a written assurance that the total number of Lok Sabha seats would be increased by 50 percent.

At the same time, she categorically ruled out any possibility of the NCP (SP) joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or merging with it.

Her statement has attempted to distance the party from speculation about any immediate political realignment.

Modi and Pawar Share Long-Standing Personal Equation

Despite remaining political rivals for decades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sharad Pawar have maintained a cordial personal relationship.

Over the years, both leaders have publicly acknowledged each other's political experience and have met on several occasions to discuss issues related to governance and Maharashtra.

In 2017, the Modi government conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, on Sharad Pawar. Earlier, during a visit to Baramati in 2015, Prime Minister Modi had praised Pawar's political experience despite their differences.

Political Rivalry Continues

Although the two leaders have maintained cordial personal ties, they have frequently exchanged sharp political criticism during election campaigns.

During the 2014 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Prime Minister Modi strongly criticised the NCP, while Sharad Pawar has repeatedly questioned several policies of the BJP-led Central government.

With no official details emerging from Wednesday's meeting, political circles are expected to closely watch the NCP (SP)'s next moves both inside and outside Parliament.

A day before the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, an all-party meeting convened by the Centre witnessed high political drama on Sunday as leaders of several opposition parties walked out in protest over the presence of rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs. The opposition members, however, returned later to continue discussions after registering their objections.

The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Parliament House Annexe, was called to seek cooperation from political parties for the smooth functioning of Parliament during the session scheduled from July 20 to August 13. The session will have 19 sittings, during which the government is expected to introduce and discuss several important legislative and policy matters.

Opposition Protests Over Rebel MPs

The protest erupted after the government invited 20 rebel TMC MPs, who recently announced their association with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). Opposition leaders argued that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has not formally recognised the breakaway group as a separate parliamentary entity, while disqualification petitions against the rebel MPs are still pending.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra said leaders from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), National Conference, Left parties and Shiv Sena (UBT) jointly walked out to protest the move.

Moitra questioned the legal basis for inviting the rebel MPs, stating that the official records of the Lok Sabha still recognise the TMC with its original parliamentary strength. She also argued that after the 91st Constitutional Amendment, recognition of a separate faction within a political party no longer has constitutional backing.

Government Calls for Cooperation

Before the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed to all parties to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament.

He said Parliament belongs to every political party and urged members to avoid disruptions, emphasising that meaningful debate would benefit both democracy and the public.

Despite the initial walkout, opposition leaders later returned to participate in the meeting, allowing discussions on the government's legislative agenda and issues expected to dominate the upcoming session.

Recent Political Realignments

The controversy follows significant political developments in recent weeks. On June 15, twenty TMC MPs announced their merger with the NCPI, while on June 22, six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena joined the Eknath Shinde faction.

The Lok Sabha Speaker has since allowed both groups to sit separately in the House, a move that has triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties.

Rebel TMC leader Sudip Bandopadhyay attended Sunday's meeting, stating that he was participating as the leader of the NCPI.

Impact on Parliamentary Numbers

The recent defections have strengthened the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Parliament.

In the Lok Sabha, the NDA's strength has increased to 318 members following the support of rebel MPs from the TMC and Shiv Sena factions. However, with the effective strength of the House currently at 540 members, the alliance remains 42 votes short of the 360-member two-thirds majority required to pass constitutional amendment bills.

In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA currently has 152 members, leaving it 11 votes short of the 163-member two-thirds majority.

The strengthened numbers are expected to boost the government's prospects for future legislative initiatives, including proposals related to constitutional amendments, women's reservation and parliamentary delimitation, although the alliance still lacks the numbers required to secure their passage without additional support.

With the Monsoon Session beginning on Monday, both the government and opposition are expected to engage in intense debates over legislative business as well as several political and public issues likely to dominate proceedings.

The meetings came amid heightened political activity in the state, where recent developments have fuelled discussion over possible realignments ahead of key political events. However, NCP (SP) leaders moved quickly to dismiss the speculation, insisting that the meetings should not be interpreted as a sign of the party changing sides.

According to reports, Jayant Patil first met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis before he and Jitendra Awhad later held discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai. The meetings immediately sparked political debate, with opposition leaders and political observers questioning whether the Sharad Pawar camp was opening channels of communication with the ruling alliance.

Responding to the speculation, Jayant Patil categorically denied that the meetings had anything to do with joining the NDA. He maintained that political leaders often meet across party lines and said there was no proposal or discussion regarding a shift in the party's political position.

Jitendra Awhad also dismissed suggestions of any political deal, reiterating that there was no change in the party's stand. The NCP (SP) leadership has sought to project the meetings as routine political interactions rather than negotiations over a future alliance.

The latest developments come just days after similar speculation gathered pace following meetings involving senior leaders from different political camps. Recent statements by party leaders on national issues had already prompted discussions over whether the Sharad Pawar-led outfit was adopting a more flexible approach towards the BJP-led government on selected matters.

Political observers believe the meetings have assumed significance because of Maharashtra's rapidly changing political landscape over the past few years. The state has witnessed multiple realignments, splits within major regional parties and shifting coalition equations, making every high-level political interaction a subject of intense scrutiny.

Despite the growing buzz, neither the ruling Mahayuti alliance nor the NCP (SP) has indicated that any formal political negotiations are underway. Leaders from both sides have refrained from suggesting that an alliance is being discussed publicly.

For now, the meetings have added another layer of intrigue to Maharashtra politics without providing definitive answers. While speculation over future political equations is likely to continue, the Sharad Pawar-led faction has maintained that it is not preparing to join the NDA, attempting to put an end to the rumours generated by the high-profile meetings.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and six Lok Sabha MPs who recently joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena from the Uddhav Thackeray faction met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Tuesday, triggering fresh political speculation over the party's growing influence in the NDA and a possible expansion of the Union Cabinet.

The meeting, which lasted nearly 50 minutes, was led by Eknath Shinde along with Shiv Sena's Lok Sabha leader Dr Shrikant Shinde. Discussions reportedly focused on pending development projects in Maharashtra, parliamentary strategy ahead of the Monsoon Session, legal procedures related to the MPs' merger, and the party's future role within the Union government.

Development Projects Take Centre Stage

During the meeting, the six MPs raised several pending infrastructure and development projects from their respective constituencies that require central approval or funding.

According to sources, the leaders urged the Centre to expedite these projects to ensure faster implementation before the next electoral cycle.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly assured the delegation that there would be no shortage of central assistance for welfare schemes and infrastructure initiatives in their constituencies, reaffirming the Centre's support for development-oriented governance.

Focus on Parliamentary Strength

The Delhi visit marks Eknath Shinde's first major political engagement in the national capital after the induction of six former Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs into his faction.

With the addition of the rebel lawmakers, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena has strengthened its numerical presence in Parliament, making it a more significant ally within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Sources indicated that discussions also centred on preparations for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, where the party is expected to play a more prominent role on legislative and political issues.

Merger Recognition Awaited

The party leadership is also working to complete all procedural and legal formalities related to the induction of the six MPs.

According to political sources, the Lok Sabha Secretariat is expected to formally recognise the merger of the MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena before the Monsoon Session begins.

Official recognition would further consolidate the party's parliamentary position and strengthen its claim as the principal Shiv Sena faction in the Lok Sabha.

Speculation Over Cabinet Expansion

The meeting has intensified speculation about an imminent expansion of the Union Council of Ministers.

Political sources suggest that the Shinde-led Shiv Sena could be rewarded with two ministerial positions—one Cabinet berth and one Minister of State portfolio—following the increase in its parliamentary strength.

Among the names being discussed, Dr Shrikant Shinde is widely seen as a leading contender for a Cabinet position, although no official confirmation has been made by either the BJP or the Shiv Sena.

Political Significance

The high-profile meeting is being viewed as another political boost for the Shinde camp and a setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), which recently lost six MPs to the rival faction.

Beyond organisational matters, the Centre's reported assurance on development funding is expected to help the newly inducted MPs strengthen their political base by accelerating projects in their constituencies.

While discussions on Cabinet representation remain speculative, the meeting underlines the Shinde faction's growing influence within the NDA and signals continued coordination between the Maharashtra leadership and the Union government ahead of an important parliamentary session.

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.

The development comes at a time when the NDA is seeking to consolidate its position ahead of several key legislative and political battles. While the alliance already enjoys a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha, political observers believe expanding its support base could help it pursue a broader legislative agenda with greater ease.

According to political sources, the focus has shifted to a section of MPs linked to veteran leader Sharad Pawar. Reports suggesting possible outreach efforts have triggered discussions within Maharashtra’s political circles, although no formal announcement has been made by either side regarding any potential shift in allegiance.

The timing of the speculation is significant. The Monsoon Session is expected to witness debates on important policy matters and government initiatives. In such a scenario, strengthening parliamentary numbers carries both legislative and symbolic importance for the ruling alliance.

Sharad Pawar remains one of the most influential figures in Maharashtra politics despite the divisions that have reshaped the Nationalist Congress Party in recent years. The political landscape in the state has undergone major changes following splits within both the NCP and Shiv Sena, leading to new alliances and shifting equations.

Against this backdrop, any movement involving MPs associated with Pawar’s camp would be closely watched not only in Maharashtra but also at the national level. Political analysts note that even speculation about defections can influence negotiations, alliance dynamics and future electoral strategies.

Leaders from the opposition have repeatedly accused the BJP of attempting to weaken rival parties by attracting their elected representatives. The ruling party, however, has consistently maintained that leaders and lawmakers choose to join the NDA voluntarily based on political conviction and development-oriented governance.

While discussions around numbers continue, there has been no official confirmation that any MPs from Sharad Pawar’s faction are preparing to switch sides. Sources familiar with the developments suggest that political conversations remain fluid and that several factors could influence future decisions.

The NDA’s broader objective appears to be ensuring maximum parliamentary strength as it enters an important phase of governance. A stronger position in Parliament can help the government navigate legislative challenges and build consensus around key proposals.

For the opposition bloc, meanwhile, maintaining unity remains a major priority. Any reduction in numbers could affect not only parliamentary strategy but also perceptions ahead of future elections. As a result, developments involving regional parties and their MPs are being monitored closely.

The coming weeks are likely to bring greater clarity as Parliament convenes and political negotiations continue behind the scenes. Until then, speculation over numbers, alliances and potential realignments is expected to remain a major talking point in national politics.

Whether the NDA succeeds in moving closer to the two-thirds mark or the opposition manages to hold its ranks together will be one of the key political stories to watch during the Monsoon Session.