To be or not to be: Ajit Pawar’s death pushes Sharad Pawar into a Hamlet dilemma

Sharad Pawar faces a dilemma over merging NCP factions following Ajit Pawar’s death. While initial merger talks were advanced, with a February 12 date set, uncertainty now looms. Sunetra Pawar’s swift oath as deputy CM complicates matters, potentially forcing Sharad Pawar to align with the BJP, a move he has previously opposed.