Speculation about a merger between the Congress and NCP(SP) has intensified in Maharashtra, though senior NCP(SP) leaders confirm no formal proposal exists yet.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut suggested that Sharad Pawar should take the initiative to bring smaller parties back into the Congress. NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule responded that she would decide on an umbrella or raincoat only after the rain starts.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the Congress a sinking ship and said no sensible person would board it. Maharashtra Congress president Harshawardhan Sapkal compared the BJP to a witch that eliminates its own allies.
Senior NCP(SP) leaders clarified that nobody has spoken to Sharad Pawar or Supriya Sule about the matter. State Congress president Nana Patole said the central leadership would examine the issue.
