New Delhi:The death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has fuelled speculation about a possible reunion between two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party.

NCP Chief Ajit Pawar met his uncle, Sharad Pawar, earlier this month, reportedly to discuss a possible party reunion. NCP Maharashtra state president Sunil Tatkare has now refuted any discussion on the merger.

Speaking to the media, Tatkare clarified that the January 17 meeting was regarding the local body election and an agriculture-related event. There was no discussion regarding the merger, he said. 

Earlier, it was reported that the two leaders met on January 17 with plans to announce a merger on February 12. The announcement never came about, but the political fallout is still reshaping Maharashtra's powerplay.

When asked about the reunion, Senior Pawar said Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil were present during the discussions, and Patil will take a call.Senior NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader and former minister Jayant Patil said Ajit Pawar wished for the two factions of the NCP to unite in the presence of senior Pawar.

Patil said junior Pawar visited him at his house several times, had meals and discussed reunion.

Source:Ndtv