NCP MLAs seek time with Sharad Pawar as talk of merger of two parties grows

Speculation about a merger between the two Nationalist Congress Party factions in Maharashtra has picked up again. The buzz has not slowed even over the Diwali days. MLAs from the Ajit Pawar camp have now asked for an appointment to meet Sharad Pawar, according to sources.

The legislators are said to have sought time for Wednesday. Sources described this as a first step towards dialogue between the two parties. Some of Ajit Pawar's leaders have been calling on the veteran leader in recent days, and the stated reason is to ask after his health. Political circles, however, are wondering whether something more lies behind these visits.

The latest round began when NCP working president Praful Patel met Sharad Pawar a few days ago. The two reportedly talked for a long time. It also emerged then that they had agreed to meet again after the 10th. Pankaj Bhujbal and his family have since called on Pawar as well.

Pawar has come home from hospital and is in Mumbai. His family has said he will rest at his Silver Oak residence for the next few days.

Last week, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare made a significant remark on the subject. He said that if Ajit Pawar were alive, the merger would have taken place on the 12th. Talk of a merger has grown louder since that statement.

After Sharad Pawar was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital, Parth Pawar met him on Saturday evening at Silver Oak. Shashikant Shinde, who is state president of Sharad Pawar's NCP, former home minister Anil Deshmukh and Jitendra Awhad were also present. The discussion went on for roughly an hour and a half. Parth Pawar went to Silver Oak again on Sunday, and this repeat visit has led political observers to say that movement towards a merger has gained speed.

Former minister Rajesh Tope met Sharad Pawar today. Tope said he had gone on a family visit and to enquire about Pawar's health. He said the two discussed the drought in Marathwada, and that Pawar asked him how conditions were in the region.

Tope said no political subject came up at the meeting, so he had nothing to say on the merger. He did recall that "we were going to come together while Dada was alive", and said this had been accepted even then. According to Tope, however, he had denied this even at that time.

Whether the MLAs' request for a Wednesday meeting leads to a formal round of talks is not yet known.