India, Nov. 20 -- When the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) split two and a half years ago, the rupture stayed largely confined to the top. Now, as local body elections approach, the rival factions are closing ranks, to contest as a united front. Local leaders from both sides admit they may no longer share an election symbol, but on the ground - among workers and cadres - they still see themselves as one camp.

So, after Chandgad last week, the second municipal council to witness a formal tie-up between the two NCP factions is Kagal, also in Kolhapur. Senior NCP leader Hasan Mushrif and NCP (SP) leader Samarjeetsingh Ghatge shook on the deal on Tuesday.

Samarjit Ghatge of the NCP (SP) said both sides had "come together to stay together f...