Mumbai, Feb. 15 -- The possibility of a merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party in Maharashtra has been virtually ruled out, with senior leader Jayant Patil stating that the matter now stands closed.
Speaking to reporters here on Sunday, the former state NCP president (Sharad Pawar faction) said that discussions about uniting the two groups are no longer relevant in the aftermath of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar's demise.
Patil explained that talks about a possible merger had begun when Ajit Pawar was alive. At that time, several leaders from the NCP (SP) had spoken in favour of bringing both factions together.
He added that even some leaders from the Ajit Pawar-led faction were keen on reunification. However...