Praful Patel's remark in Gondia fuels talk of merger between the two NCP factions

Signs of another major political upheaval are emerging in Maharashtra politics. Amid talk of a possible merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions, a statement by Rajya Sabha MP and senior leader Praful Patel has caused a stir in the state's political circles.

Patel was in Gondia. On the occasion of Deepavali, he extended greetings to people of Gondia, Bhandara and the whole of Maharashtra, as well as to the countrymen. He then spoke candidly about the current political situation and the distress among farmers. He made these remarks along with his Deepavali greetings.

Asked directly about speculation that the two NCP factions would unite, Patel said the whole of Maharashtra wishes Sharad Pawar good health. He also indicated clearly that he would stay in Gondia until the 10th, and after returning to Mumbai would discuss further the question of meeting Sharad Pawar.

Following Patel's statement, speculation has run high in political circles from Gondia to Mumbai.

Expressing concern over drought-like conditions in the state, Patel, a former Union minister and current Rajya Sabha MP, assured that the state government stands firmly with farmers in this difficult period and will continue to do so. According to Patel, the government will provide farmers every possible relief.