However, NCP leaders said, while Ajit Pawar’s death may have cast uncertainty over the immediate timeline of the plans, the underlying political process remains intact. Calling the loss of Ajit Pawar “a big loss for all of us”, Jayant Patil said: “In recent times, we (the two factions) were meeting frequently. On January 17, a meeting was held at Sharad Pawar ji’s house.”Shinde said the merger talks were aligned with the earlier understanding reached between the two factions. Ajit Pawar had mentioned that we would come together after the municipal corporation elections. Ajit Pawar had also hinted at a possible reunion during public rallies, attacking those questioning a merger.