Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Wednesday declined to give a clear indication about the possibility of the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions coming together, choosing instead to leave the question open.

Responding to reporters at a press conference in Baramati, Sunetra said the occasion was meant to address another issue, although she acknowledged the growing interest in a possible reunion with the faction led by Sharad Pawar.

"You will know when the time comes," she said when asked about a merger. She did not confirm whether discussions between the two camps were taking place.

Sanjay Raut claims MLAs may quit Sunetra's faction

The uncertainty surrounding the NCP's future has also prompted political speculation about possible defections.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claimed that around 20 to 22 legislators from Sunetra Pawar's faction were considering leaving the party. He alleged that some of them had been holding meetings with Sharad Pawar, the family's senior-most political figure.

According to Raut, the legislators could either return to the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) or explore joining another political party ahead of the elections. He described such a development as a return to the original political fold rather than a formal merger.

BJP minister Ashish Shelar took a more conciliatory view of the possibility of the Pawar family coming together. Referring to the Bhai Dooj festival, he said a reconciliation between the family's brothers and sisters would be a welcome development.

Leadership tensions add to merger speculation

The latest round of merger discussions comes against the backdrop of reported dissatisfaction within Sunetra Pawar's NCP.

Several senior leaders had travelled to Delhi to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah as differences reportedly emerged over the way Sunetra and her son, Parth Pawar, were managing the organisation.

The discontent also centred on key party appointments. Some senior leaders reportedly felt they had been sidelined when Parth made organisational decisions.

Amid the growing unease, Sunetra convened an urgent meeting of NCP legislators at her official residence, Devgiri, to discuss the situation.

Praful Patel's hospital visit adds to the buzz

A series of interactions involving members of the Pawar family has further intensified speculation.

On November 5, senior NCP leader Praful Patel visited Sharad Pawar at a Mumbai hospital. A video from the meeting showed the veteran leader suggesting that they meet again after November 10. Patel, however, maintained that his visit was intended to enquire about Pawar's health.

Parth Pawar also met his grandfather twice within two days at the latter's Mumbai residence, adding to the political significance attached to the recent family interactions.

NCP split dates back to 2023

The two factions emerged after Ajit Pawar broke away from his uncle Sharad Pawar in 2023 and joined the BJP-led ruling coalition in Maharashtra.

Following Ajit's death, Sunetra Pawar took charge of his NCP faction, which remains part of the Mahayuti alliance. Sharad Pawar continues to lead the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).

NCP leader Sunil Tatkare has said that no merger negotiations were underway at present. However, he suggested that the two sides might have reunited if Ajit Pawar had been alive.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also said that any decision on a merger would have to be taken independently by the two NCP factions. He added that the BJP-led alliance would need to be consulted if the parties decided to move towards a reunion.

For now, Sunetra Pawar's remarks have offered no confirmation of a breakthrough, leaving the future of the two factions uncertain.