Sunil Tatkare meets CM Fadnavis amid talk of NCP merger

Political circles are abuzz with speculation over a merger of the two NCP factions. It has also emerged that MLAs of Ajit Pawar's NCP have sought time to meet senior leader Sharad Pawar, which has given considerable momentum to talk of a fresh political upheaval.

Against this backdrop, NCP MP Sunil Tatkare had met Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. The meeting took place on Tuesday and the two spoke for about an hour and a half. Tatkare has now also met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, which has once again intensified speculation in political circles.

Tatkare, the NCP state president, reached Varsha, the Chief Minister's official residence, at 12.30 pm. According to information available, it was a goodwill visit on the occasion of Diwali. The conversation took place amid the merger talk, and the meeting with the Chief Minister, coming after the one with Sunetra Pawar, is being seen as significant.

NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde also went to Varsha, met Chief Minister Fadnavis and extended Diwali greetings. Munde said he briefed the Chief Minister on the severe drought conditions in Marathwada. He also requested Fadnavis that the state's farmers be given as much help as possible.

According to Munde, Fadnavis responded positively. Munde said the Chief Minister assured that farmers would be helped in every way.