Mumbai, May 19 -- Amid speculations of a merger between the two factions, Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar said that no discussion took place with him about the issue. This was the first time he was speaking publicly on the issue. "I have said it clearly that no one discussed the issue with me as of now. If it happens, then I will let you know," the NCP president told reporters in Pune on Saturday. Previously in a meeting of NCP leaders, the NCP president had clarified that no talks are going on regarding the merger of the two NCP factions. "Ajit Dada clarified that no talks are going between the top leaders of both the parties," said a senior leader who attended the meeting of party MLAs and leaders held at NCP minister Dattatray Bharne's official residence on Tuesday evening. The clarification has come following speculations that both the rival NCP factions are likely to come together. The buzz for a possible merger received further stimulus when Sharad Pawar, president of NCP (SP) faction remarked recently that a section of the party wants to reunite with the rival NCP faction and that it was up to the party's national working president Supriya Sule and Maharashtra president Jayant Patil to take a call on the issue. While clarifying on the issue in the party meeting, Ajit Pawar also chose to mention that he was addressing the issue in the meeting so that his party leaders should be aware of the facts and would not believe what is being said by the media. "Ajit Dada was of the view that (Sharad) Pawar saheb may have made the statement to stop the desertions from his party as several of their leaders are interested in joining us," an NCP leader present at the meeting revealed. Amid this, Ajit Pawar on Saturday showered praise on his uncle for empowering women by granting them 33% reservation in local bodies when he was chief minister back in 1993. "You may not be aware that Saheb (Sharad Pawar) was the chief minister when he had told us that the proceedings of the state legislature should not be adjourned till the bill providing 33% reservation to women (in local bodies) is passed," he informed and recalled that the House went on till 3.30 am in the morning. "It was adjourned only after the Bill was passed and only after that we all left for home," Ajit said in Pune. He chose to mention that he was a first-term MLA at that time. NCP (SP) chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase also made it clear that there is no such proposal for a merger. "We have no intention of merging with them. We have taken a stand more than two years ago and are sticking to it. Those who want to join the government, have already joined them," he said, adding, "NCP (SP) will remain with the opposition." Meanwhile, Pawar who was in Mumbai, telephoned the deputy chief minister and requested him to look into the issue of farmers affected by the upcoming Purandar airport. Pawar's office confirmed the development. The NCP (SP) president asked Ajit Pawar to have a meeting with farmers' representatives and resolve their issues, the insiders revealed....