India, Nov. 14 -- Amid speculations of merger talks between the two rival NCP factions that extended close to two weeks, Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana' warned Sharad Pawar against compromising the principles he has upheld over decades by engaging with a faction that "grovels at the BJP's feet".

In an editorial titled 'Let's play the merger game', the newspaper questioned the political wisdom of the NCP (SP) engaging in merger discussions with the rival faction led by deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar, particularly when Sharad Pawar's party is an alliance partner of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the INDIA bloc.

The editorial came a day after Saamana editor and Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut vi...