PM Modi calls Sharad Pawar, says Supriya Sule is ready to handle the country

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called NCP (SP) chief and senior leader Sharad Pawar to enquire about his health. During the conversation, the Prime Minister advised Sharad Pawar to take complete rest and mentioned that his daughter, Supriya Sule, is now ready to handle the responsibilities of the country. According to Vitthal Maniyar, a close associate of Sharad Pawar, who briefed journalists in Pune, PM Modi spoke with great affection and respect.

According to Vitthal Maniyar, the Prime Minister said over the phone, 'Saheb, please take complete rest. Supriya is now ready. Supriya and we will handle the responsibility of the country. You rest, this is my request to you.' Following this statement, discussions regarding major changes in Maharashtra's political equations have begun. In particular, speculations have intensified that Supriya Sule, who is currently a key face of the INDIA alliance, may join the Modi Cabinet.

In response to this conversation, Sharad Pawar thanked the Prime Minister and expressed confidence that he is currently resting. Pawar had said, 'I am resting, and when you all are there, I have no worry about the country. You continue your work.' However, it is noteworthy that neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor Sharad Pawar has officially confirmed this phone call or conversation. All this information has been provided by Pawar's associate Vitthal Maniyar.

This sequence of events occurred while Sharad Pawar was admitted to the hospital due to ill health. The 85-year-old Sharad Pawar was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on November 2 following complaints of cough and chest pain. Dr. Purvez K. Grant, Chief Cardiologist, Chairman, and Managing Trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic, stated that Pawar had complaints of pleuritic pain (chest pain), due to which he was admitted for general check-ups and medical observation.

Vitthal Maniyar clarified that Pawar's health is good and there is no serious problem. He stated that two days ago, Pawar had issues with cough and phlegm, due to which he was kept in the hospital. All test reports were positive and there was nothing alarming. He only needed some treatment and rest. He planned to be discharged yesterday, but was requested to stay one more day under doctors' supervision.

After being discharged from Pune's Ruby Hall Clinic on Wednesday morning, Sharad Pawar was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai for further check-ups. Providing information on the social media platform X, Supriya Sule wrote, 'We are taking Baba to Breach Candy Hospital for further check-ups. Thank you for your concern and well wishes.' Earlier, she had stated that all health parameters of her father are stable. After the discharge from Ruby Hall Clinic, she tweeted that Pawar's health is now much better and thanked the hospital staff.

These statements by PM Modi have revived discussions about a potential merger between the two factions of the NCP. After Ajit Pawar's rebellion in 2023, the NCP split into two parts. One group is under the leadership of Sharad Pawar as NCP (SP), while the other is under the leadership of Ajit Pawar. Previously in September, Sharad Pawar had dismissed merger speculations, stating that his group would not merge with any other party.

According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, recently some senior leaders of the NCP, including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Dilip Walse Patil, Hasan Mushrif, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Dhananjay Munde, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During this meeting, media reports claimed that concerns were expressed regarding the unilateral decisions of Deputy CM Sunitra Pawar and her son Parth Pawar. However, after a core committee meeting held in Mumbai on Monday, the NCP dismissed the possibility of a merger. Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare clarified that they would work under the leadership of Sunitra Pawar and there is no possibility of a merger with NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).

Despite political differences, the relationship between Narendra Modi and Sharad Pawar has always remained cordial. During a visit to Baramati in 2015, PM Modi publicly praised Sharad Pawar's long political experience. In 2017, the Modi government honoured Sharad Pawar with the 'Padma Vibhushan', the country's second-highest civilian award. Sharad Pawar is one of the few opposition leaders who has direct contact with the Prime Minister and often holds one-to-one meetings on national issues or Maharashtra's administrative crises. Furthermore, on August 10, PM Modi and Amit Shah attended the wedding of Supriya Sule's daughter.

Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule met PM Modi in Delhi on July 7. Currently, Sharad Pawar is feeling some weakness, which will go away with food, as stated by Vitthal Maniyar. He is expected to become active again soon.

Sharad Pawar was the founder of the NCP and an influential political leader of India. He has served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and as a Union Minister for a long time. He is also a cancer survivor and is known for his political acumen.