India, May 21 -- The Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP - SP) has ended attempts for merger with Maharashtra deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), saying it will be focussed on its role as a more effective opposition party.

"The issue of the merger has been closed from our side. There will be no further talks on a merger. We will now focus on strengthening the NCP - SP," the party's Maharashtra chief Shashikant Shinde said on Wednesday.

People aware of the matter said the issue was discussed at a party meeting called by NCP founder Sharad Pawar to discuss the party's plans. They added that the issue of merger talks was raised at the meeting.

NCP - SP working president Supriya Sule ...