India, June 13 -- Amid speculation over a merger between the Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC), talk of a merger between the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and the Congress has gained traction.

Congress insiders claimed the party had received feelers from the NCP (SP) leadership but no formal discussions had taken place. While NCP (SP) national working president Supriya Sule and state unit chief Shashikant Shinde dismissed reports of any such proposal, former Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole suggested that efforts were underway to prevent a division of secular votes.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, described the Congress as a "sinking ship", saying seasoned regional leaders would have little incentive to associate wi...