Why Sharad Pawar’s NCP is supporting the BJP

The Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) decision to offer outside support to BJP has taken many by surprise. During the vitriolic campaign, leaders from both the political parties were involved in war of words. However, the equation changed soon after the election results were announced yesterday. NCP’s Praful Patel said that his party will support the BJP-led government for “stability of Maharshtra.”

Following are the reasons behind this political move:

# Needs govt support to retain clout in cooperatives sector that drives rural economy. Cong is the bigger rival here.

# With senior NCP leaders facing corruption charges, it helps to have the government on its side.

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# NCP’s economic outlook is similar to the BJP’s.

# BJP can use NCP to keep Sena, Cong in check.

# Sharad Pawar insists he won’t join government, but he could be a valuable, experienced addition to the Modi ministry.