PoliticsHindustan Times
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis meets leaders of NCP factions, fuels fresh buzz about their merger
in5points
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis met NCP faction leaders Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and reportedly Jayant Patil at his Mumbai residence on July 14, 2026.
The meeting fueled speculation that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP–SP may merge with the NCP and join the BJP-led NDA.
A merger formula was nearly finalized before NCP chief Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28, 2026.
NCP–SP lawmakers mostly favor joining the governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra.
New NCP chief Sunetra Pawar opposed the merger after Ajit Pawar's death.
Story angle
Center-left
L
CL
C
CR
R
Mostly straight facts, with a light progressive or opposition-friendly tilt.
About how the story is framed, not whether the facts are true.
Hindustan Times
Center-left
Mixed factuality
