Praful Patel calls on Sharad Pawar at hospital; meet triggers speculation in Maharashtra

What the coverage says

Praful Patel visited Sharad Pawar at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where the 85-year-old leader is receiving treatment for a chest and respiratory infection and remains in stable condition according to Hindustan Times. While Patel described the meeting as a courtesy visit and stated to NDTV that there was "political differences but no bitterness," the encounter immediately fueled political speculation across Maharashtra. The Hindu reported that State NCP president Sunil Tatkare claimed the two factions would have reunited under Ajit Pawar, whereas NCP SP MLA Rohit Pawar dismissed the talk of a merger as a planted rumor from disgruntled individuals pursuing their own interests. NDTV's analysis further noted that Pawar continues to leave observers guessing about the party's future alignment with the NDA.

Written by HeadlineShine from 4 outlets' reporting, with AI assistance. Each outlet's own story is listed alongside.