Multiple reports describe a political strategy within the BJP regarding Maharashtra’s ruling alignment and potential future changes involving Sharad Pawar’s NCP. The coverage ties the discussion to the NCP’s split in July 2023, when Ajit Pawar and other senior leaders broke away to join the BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra. According to sources cited by NDTV and News18, internal thinking within the BJP is to pursue a “merger first” approach for the NCP, and only then consider any “NDA entry” step involving Sharad Pawar’s faction. NDTV reports that the plan is discussed in the context of renewed speculation about political reunions in the state. The reporting links these developments to recent meetings between leaders from both NCP camps and figures associated with the ruling dispensation, which are described as contributing to “rumblings” of possible rapprochement. While the accounts focus on the sequencing—NCP consolidation followed by any broader alignment—the reports do not present a finalized public agreement or official confirmation of specific terms. The reports frame the situation as sourced political developments and ongoing discussions.