MUMBAI, Feb. 2 -- Amid heightened political speculation following the death of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in an air crash at Baramati, industrialist Gautam Adani on Sunday met Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Sharad Pawar at his Mumbai residence. Adani visited Pawar's Silver Oak residence on Sunday evening and held a closed-door meeting with the veteran leader for over 45 minutes. While the meeting was officially described as a condolence visit following Ajit Pawar's death, it has fuelled speculation about political realignments within the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party. Adani, who is known to share a close rapport with the Pawar family, had recently visited Baramati to inaugurate an AI centre of excellence. On that occasion, both Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, along with their family members, had jointly welcomed the industrialist. The latest meeting has further intensified such speculation, particularly in light of recent developments, including Sunetra Pawar's induction into the state cabinet within days of Ajit Pawar's death. htc...