Mumbai: The motive for the dramatic ‘unconditional’ outside support offered by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to prop up a BJP-led government in Maharashtra on October 19 is seen as a political move to protect NCP leaders facing corruption charges and to avoid a full-fledged probe.

Allegations of corruption and irregularities in irrigation projects have been levelled against former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, NCP’s state chief Sunil Tatkare and former Public Works Department Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. With the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) recently asking for permission for an open inquiry against Pawar and Tatkare and also investigating the role of Bhujbal in the construction of the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi, NCP leaders did not want to be humiliated by the new government which could accelerate the probe in the future.

This is why, observers say the NCP surprised everyone on the day election results were announced by coming forward to extend outside support to a BJP-led government. The move took everyone by surprise given the fact that both BJP and NCP had slammed each other during the election campaign. No sooner did NCP’s senior leader Praful Patel come forward with the offer saying it was for the “stability of Maharashtra,” the political buzz was there was a strong reason for this declaration.

Saamna, the Shiv Sena mouthpiece had noted in an editorial: “Until yesterday, the BJP was a communal force and was mocked to be a party full of half-pant-(shorts) wearing individuals by the NCP. They insulted Hindutva by mocking the Sangh’s (RSS) diktat of wearing half pants. Are they now really concerned about providing stability to Maharashtra? They only want to ensure their corruption is not brought out in front of the people.”

The party, which holds sway over the sugar cooperative sector in Western Maharashtra where the Congress is its rival, also needs government support to retain this power base. This is another reason to cosy up to the BJP.

Though the BJP has not refused NCP’s assistance, it has helped rein in the Sena which is likely to now join in the government.

Meanwhile, Sena MPs are likely to attend a Diwali dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to all the NDA allies on Sunday when a rapprochement with the BJP is likely. In all likelihood, a chief minister will be chosen by BJP legislators on October 28 and a government sworn in the next day.