NCP Merger Talks Stalled Over Leadership Issues; Amit Shah's Visit May Facilitate Talks

Amid talk of a merger between the two factions of the NCP, the biggest question now arises about the party's leadership. According to sources, Sharad Pawar and the Sunetra Pawar-Parth Pawar faction are unable to reach a consensus on leadership. Some leaders of both factions are in favour of reuniting the party under Sharad Pawar's leadership, but Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar do not agree with this arrangement. That is why the merger talks have not reached the final stage. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Pune on November 15 and 16 is also considered to be politically important. Shah will attend a function of the Pune Zilla Parishad, where a statue of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is to be unveiled. It is reported that the time for this event has been increased from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. According to sources, Shah may hold talks with Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth Pawar during this time. However, NCP (SP) working president and NDA MP Supriya Sule has said that there is no attempt to discuss the merger.