India, May 12 -- NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's remarks on reunion with nephew Ajit Pawar-led NCP and his frequent appearances with the latter on public platforms have confused both his friends and rivals. Leaders from both the factions think there could be some understanding between them in the context of local body polls and that the process could start with top leaders sending "positive signals" to the cadres. Following the Supreme Court's directives to the state government, elections to zilla parishads (district councils) and municipal bodies are expected to be held immediately after the monsoon.

Both parties are particularly interested in the rural polls where party lines are blurred. Local leaders of both the NCP factions were worki...