India, Nov. 9 -- Only three days after meeting NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar in hospital, where the latter had been admitted, NCP working president Praful Patel said he would try to meet Pawar again at his Mumbai residence after November 10. Patel said the proposed meeting should not be given any political colour, adding that his respect for the veteran leader was, is and will always remain.

Patel's remarks come as fault lines deepen within the NCP led by Sunetra Pawar, with her son Parth taking greater control of the party. They also come as talk of the proposed merger between the two NCPs has resurfaced.

Parth, for his part, met NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, his grand-uncle, for the second day in a row at the latter's Mumbai residence on...