India, July 13 -- Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil, a close confidant of party chief Sharad Pawar, has told the party's MLAs that joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is the best available option before the party, HT has learnt.

According to party insiders, Patil recently held a meeting during which he conveyed the leadership's message to the MLAs and sought to explain why such a move might be necessary. He also attempted to address any reservations the legislators might have and build consensus in the event of the party deciding to take that course. At least two NCP (SP) MLAs confirmed that the discussion had taken place.

The development comes amid recent speculation that the NCP (SP) was exploring the possibility ...