The Maharashtra CM said the NCP and NCP (SP) were separate political parties and would take their own decisions on the matter. While Sharad Pawar leads the NCP (SP), Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar heads the NCP, which is an NDA ally and a partner in the ruling Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra

NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar was discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday after three days of treatment for a chest and respiratory infection. The 85-year-old leader returned to his South Mumbai residence