India, Jan. 31 -- NCP (SP) Maharashtra unit president Shashikant Shinde on Saturday said Ajit Pawar was working to unite the two NCPs before his January 28 death, and that Sharad Pawar and other leaders had no prior knowledge of the decision to have Sunetra Pawar take oath as the state deputy chief minister.

Shinde said that there had been discussions and meetings on the reunification of the two NCPs.

"There had been discussions and meetings on the two NCPs coming together. But Ajitdada is no more. Some broad positions had been discussed earlier. Now, we will discuss what needs to be done and then make a decision. How others respond is their call," Shinde was quoted by PTI as telling reporters.

On questions over the apparent haste in c...