Another formula is at work in Maharashtra . Sharad Pawar is said to be trying hard to convince his political ally to accept his daughter, Supriya Sule, as the bearer of his mantle. If the plan gets off the ground, one may see Sule assuming the chief ministership of the state, and the NCP quietly agreeing to a merger with the Congress. The buzz is that the nitty-gritty is being worked out. But then the spoilers are also at work. Pawar’s legacy is being claimed by his nephew, Ajit Pawar, who, unlike Sule, is an old hand at politics. So expect more Pawar-play.