Senior NCP leader Praful Patel says his relations with Sharad Pawar remain cordial despite their political differences. After meeting the NCP (SP) chief at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on Thursday night, Patel said there had never been any bitterness between them and that their family ties would continue. He also confirmed that they discussed the prevailing political situation. Patel described the 85-year-old leader's health as excellent and said Pawar was in good spirits following his hospital admission.