India, June 11 -- Leaders of both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) - led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar - on Tuesday indicated that there is no immediate scope for a reunion between the two camps, as they marked the party's 26th foundation day at separate events in Pune.

The statements came amid growing political buzz over a possible merger in the run-up to crucial local body elections in Maharashtra. In its May ruling, the Supreme Court directed the state government to conduct long-pending civic polls - including for 29 municipal corporations and several municipal councils - within four months. The elections are expected to take place by September.

At the NCP event in Pune's Balewadi stadium, deputy chief minister Ajit ...