Leaders from both NCP factions call on Sharad Pawar; Kolhe says no talk of merger

Leaders from across Maharashtra have been streaming in to meet Sharad Pawar, chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), since he was admitted to hospital. Those who met him today included state NCP president Shashikant Shinde, Anil Deshmukh, Jayant Patil and MP Amol Kolhe. Parth Pawar, a leader of the Ajit Pawar faction, also met Sharad Pawar. The sight of leaders from both NCP factions together drew considerable talk in political circles.

After the meeting, MP Amol Kolhe spoke to the media. He said everyone knew that "Saheb" had been discharged from hospital today, and that the meeting was to ask after his health. According to Kolhe, Saheb's health is perfectly fine, which is why he spoke freely. He said the meeting was bound to happen around Diwali and everyone had met Saheb for Diwali. One topic led to another in the conversation, and the discussion went on.

Kolhe also said Saheb's health is good and that the news should double the joy of everyone in Maharashtra who loves him. On Parth Pawar, he clarified that he did not meet him and did not even see him. Kolhe spoke with Saheb. According to him, talk of a merger exists only in the media and nothing was discussed about those reports. Inside, all the senior leaders were together and a lively conversation was under way.

Talk of a merger of the two NCP factions has again gathered pace over the past few days. A statement from Sunil Tatkare was followed by NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal and Praful Patel meeting Sharad Pawar. These events set off the merger talk. Parth Pawar has now also met Sharad Pawar, so it will be important to watch what is happening in the NCP.