Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s phone call to veteran Maharashtra politician Sharad Pawar has drawn fresh attention to the state’s evolving political landscape, amid speculation about a possible merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
According to Sharad Pawar’s aide Vitthal Maniyar, the Prime Minister contacted the 85-year-old leader on November 4 to enquire about his health and advise him to take complete rest. During the conversation, Modi reportedly remarked that Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule, was ready to take on greater responsibilities.
Maniyar described the exchange as warm and respectful, but the reported comments have attracted attention because discussions about the future of the rival NCP factions have intensified in recent days. The phone call itself was described as a health-related conversation; it does not establish that any political agreement has been reached.
Sharad Pawar Discharged After Medical Observation
The phone call came shortly after Sharad Pawar was discharged from Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, where he had been admitted on November 2 following complaints of coughing and pleuritic chest pain. This type of pain can worsen during breathing, coughing or sneezing.
Doctors kept the veteran politician under observation and conducted medical examinations. Hospital authorities said his condition was stable and that he was doing well at the time of discharge. He was expected to return to his residence in Mumbai.
Maniyar said Modi spoke to Pawar with affection and respect, urging him to prioritise his recovery. According to the aide, Pawar thanked the Prime Minister for enquiring about his health and indicated that he was resting and had confidence in the leaders around him.
NCP Merger Talks Add to Maharashtra’s Political Uncertainty
The conversation comes against the backdrop of renewed discussions about a possible reunion between the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and the faction associated with the late Ajit Pawar.
The possibility of bringing the two groups together has gained attention following meetings between senior NCP leaders and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. Several leaders from the faction associated with Ajit Pawar have reportedly discussed the party’s future and the possibility of a broader political arrangement involving the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
However, the proposal faces significant obstacles. Differences over leadership, political control and the future direction of the party remain important concerns. Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth Pawar have also been central figures in discussions about the faction’s leadership and organisational future.
There has been no confirmed announcement establishing that the two NCP factions have agreed to merge or that Sharad Pawar’s group intends to join the NDA.
Supriya Sule’s Role Comes Into Focus
Supriya Sule, the Baramati MP and Sharad Pawar’s daughter, remains an influential figure within the NCP (SP). Her parliamentary experience and position in the party make her an important participant in any discussion about its future leadership.
Modi’s reported remark that Sule was ready to take on responsibilities has attracted interest amid the ongoing political developments. Nevertheless, the statement, as recounted by Maniyar, was made during a conversation about Pawar’s health and should not automatically be interpreted as an indication of a political realignment.
Sule has previously participated in meetings with senior government leaders, including discussions concerning public issues and constituency-related matters. Such interactions have occasionally fuelled speculation about the relationship between the opposition faction and the ruling alliance.
What Happens Next?
The future of the two NCP factions remains a significant question for Maharashtra politics as parties prepare for the next phase of political competition. A merger could reshape alliances and leadership equations, but differences within the groups could complicate any attempt at reunification.
For now, the Prime Minister’s call is confirmed as an expression of concern for Sharad Pawar’s health, while the reported reference to Supriya Sule has added another talking point to the political discussion.
Whether the two factions eventually reunite, remain separate or pursue different political arrangements will depend on decisions by their respective leaders. Until an official announcement clarifies
