Speculations about NCP MP Supriya Sule’s potential entry into the Union Cabinet grew strong on Wednesday after Union Minister and President of the Republican Party of India (Athawale Group), Ramdas Athawale, made a suggestive statement about NCP and Cabinet expansion. This also coincided with the alleged phone call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who is in hospital.
Though the Prime Minister’s Office and Pawar himself are yet to confirm it, Vitthal Maniyar, a close associate of Sharad Pawar, revealed to the media that Modi called to enquire about Pawar’s health. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi called this morning to inquire about 'Saheb's' (Sharad Pawar's) health. He asked about his well-being with great respect. Narendra Modi told Sharad Pawar, 'Supriya and I will look after the country; you take care of your health and get some rest.'
Vitthal added that the Prime Minister urged Pawar to take rest. “In response, Sharad Pawar said, 'Yes, I am taking rest. With all of you there, I have no worries about the country.' Sharad Pawar also thanked the Prime Minister for the call," Maniyar said.
Just before Maniyar’s remarks, Athawale made the loaded statement about Sule, stating that the NDA would be only happy to welcome Sule.
Speaking at a press conference in Thane, Ramdas Athawale commented on the anticipated Union Cabinet expansion, stating Sule might be considered for a position in the upcoming Union Cabinet expansion.
On the possibility of Sharad Pawar joining the NDA, Athawale expressed skepticism, noting that he does not foresee such a move. “Had Sharad Pawar joined forces with the NDA in 2019, he could have become the President of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sharad Pawar share a good rapport. Ajit Pawar had urged Sharad Pawar to join the NDA, but the latter did not heed the suggestion,” Athawale added.
Regarding the potential entry of Supriya Sule into the NDA, Athawale expressed a positive outlook, stating that her joining would be a welcome development.
Rumours abound that NCP could witness reunification. Though both factions deny any such move, reports hint that efforts are on to bring the two factions together and join the NDA umbrella with the intervention by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Reports quoting unnamed NCP sources said some of the party leaders from the Ajit Pawar faction met Mr Shah in Delhi on Monday, seeking his intervention to re-unite the factions led by Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar and stay in the NDA camp.
The BJP leadership urged senior NCP leaders at the Delhi meeting to resolve internal differences and put their house to rights to strengthen the NDA. Those who attended the meeting included Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Dhananjay Munde and Chhagan Bhujbal.
