News India Xtra@newsIndiaxtraSanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) says 20 to 22 MLAs from Sunetra Pawar's NCP could break away before the next elections, either returning to Sharad Pawar's faction or joining other parties.
He says these legislators feel sidelined since Ajit Pawar's death. A return to Sharad Pawar's camp would be a homecoming, not a formal merger.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says any merger must be discussed with the BJP first, a condition Raut says does not apply to Sharad Pawar's party. Sunetra Pawar has neither confirmed nor denied the talks.