Sources said most MLAs from both NCP factions back the merger, while Sharad Pawar is keen to bring back senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare to strengthen the party.
The 62-year-old leader, thrust into the political spotlight following the passing of the senior NCP figure, polled 2,18,969 votes, winning by a margin of 2,18,034.
There is a demand that for that lone seat junior Pawar should be considered, as he is capable of leading the party in the state council and can be the party’s youth face in the state.