2 min readMumbaiMar 4, 2026 01:47 PM ISTJayant Patil’s statement comes in the backdrop of ongoing talks between the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents for the seventh Rajya Sabha seat from the state. (Source: File)Senior Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader and former minister Jayant Patil said on Wednesday that the possibility of a merger between the two NCPs is now over.“The possibility of a merger between two NCPs is over. The idea of merger was a brainchild of Ajit Pawar. He was holding talks with both sides. He is no more. The talks have stopped since his death. I don’t see these talks restarting in the future. The merger is no longer on the agenda,” said Patil, while speaking to reporters at the legislative building.Patil’s statement comes in the backdrop of ongoing talks between the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents for the seventh Rajya Sabha seat from the state. All three parties, namely the Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP) have staked a claim to the seventh seat.The NCP (SP) wants to renominate party chief Sharad Pawar, whose Rajya Sabha term will end in April, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress also want their respective leaders. However, both parties have expressed concerns over the possibility of a merger between the two NCPs. Party sources said that in case of a merger, sending Sharad Pawar to the Rajya Sabha would mean surrendering the seventh seat to the NDA.It is amid such speculation that the NCP (SP) has announced that merger talks have ended. “Both our allies are well aware of this,” said Patil.He reiterated that it is NCP (SP)’s wish that Sharad Pawar be sent to the Rajya Sabha. “We have not yet decided on the name. The talks are ongoing. We expect to finalise the name in a day,” he said.March 5 is the last date of filing nominations for the Rajya Sabha polls, which will be held on March 16. If there are only seven candidates, the election will be unopposed.Story continues below this adWhile the BJP has already announced four candidates, one seat each will go to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the NCP. The NCP has announced Parth Pawar as its candidate, but the Sena has yet to announce a name.Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues. Expertise Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai. Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands'). Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including: State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana). Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides). Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits. Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects. Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission. Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards. Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra. He tweets @alokdesh ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd