Shirsat suspects the two NCP factions could merge into a third group, not one party

Talk of a merger of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is running strong these days. State NCP president Sunil Tatkare himself has fuelled the speculation, and it is being said that something big is about to happen in the party. Tatkare is in Pune today and is due to meet the party's national president, Sunetra Pawar. The merger is believed to be on the agenda.

Meanwhile, Shinde faction leader and state Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat gave the debate a new turn while speaking to the media. He voiced a suspicion that, instead of becoming one, the two NCPs might come together to form a third faction. According to Shirsat, there is a good chance of this and he suspects as much. His remark has stirred political circles.

Shirsat said that if NCP leaders are starting out by tearing at each other's clothes, he does not think a merger will happen. He said the two NCPs are locked in an internal wrestling match. A merger is spoken of in the morning and by afternoon they are accusing each other, which makes any guess difficult, he said.

Shirsat also commented on the Gokul election. He said the matter could become more complicated, so it was not right to speak on it now. Asked about Sanjay Raut's reaction on Gokul, Shirsat said some people do not accept the decision. He said that similar decisions had been taken during Raut's government too. According to Shirsat, the two sides will not be settled until the legal tangle is resolved. He said both sides have already been placed before the court.

Shirsat also said the question of tying Gokul Milk Union to Amol's peg does not arise. According to him, Gokul Milk Union is the pride of Maharashtra and an union of 5 lakh farmers. He said Gokul Milk Union will not go anywhere and this false propaganda should be stopped. He made it clear that if anything of the sort happened, he would stand with the union.

Shirsat also commented on the meeting between Sanjay Raut and Pratap Sarnaik. He said sweetness should be maintained during the festive season and that a political quarrel should not be carried into public life. Shirsat said there was nothing wrong in Pratap Sarnaik meeting Raut, as he himself meets many people.