Amid renewed speculation over a possible merger between the two Nationalist Congress Party factions, MLAs and senior leaders of the opposition NCP(SP) on Tuesday sought clarity from party chief Sharad Pawar at a meeting held in Mumbai.

The meeting, attended by party MPs, MLAs and office-bearers, came in the backdrop of recent meetings between ruling NCP leaders Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel with Pawar, which had fuelled speculation over a rapprochement between the rival factions.

“A number of leaders sought to know the reality as it is important to clear the confusion within the minds of ground-level cadres,” a senior NCP (SP) leader said.

Sources in the party also claimed that more than 22 legislators from the ruling NCP had recently met Sharad Pawar amid reported tensions within the Sunetra Pawar-led camp.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde said there would be no merger between the two factions.

“Let me make it clear first that the issue of merger is over. There will be no further discussion regarding a merger. We will head into Maharashtra capably as the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) under the leadership of respected Sharad Pawar Saheb, who is our face and leader,” Shinde said.

On reports of MLAs meeting Pawar, Shinde said: “As I mentioned earlier, many people have met respected Sharad Pawar Saheb. Many people keep meeting him; no alternative meaning should be derived from this. There is no discussion regarding the merger of both NCP factions, nor is there any such attempt.”

Shinde said the meeting focused on strengthening the party organisation and building a strong opposition in Maharashtra under Pawar’s leadership.

“The meeting discussed building a capable opposition party in Maharashtra under the leadership of Sharad Pawar. This will be done with everyone’s participation to take the party forward with immense hope, taking along MPs, MLAs, and all those who contested the elections, with everyone dedicating their time,” he said.

Later in the day, ruling NCP leader Umesh Patil denied claims that ruling party MLAs had met Pawar and reiterated that there was no proposal for a merger between the two factions.