Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 13: Amid renewed speculation over a possible reunification of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar held a meeting with all eight of his party's MPs at his New Delhi residence on Wednesday.
The speculation intensified later in the day after NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule was seen travelling in the same car as BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde in the national capital.
The developments came two days after all eight NCP (SP) MPs met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his Parliament office on Monday. Later that evening, Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the wedding reception of Sule's daughter Revati at Pawar's New Delhi residence.
Pawar held Wednesday's meeting at his 6 Janpath residence, with all eight NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MPs in attendance. The MPs, however, described it as a routine meeting.
NCP (SP) MP Amol Kolhe said Pawar regularly discusses issues with party MPs during Parliament sessions, briefs them on developments and reviews pending works. Another party MP, Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil, said the veteran leader shared his experiences and sought updates on issues concerning their constituencies.
Pawar also assured the MPs that he would speak to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding some pending development works, Mohite-Patil said.
Later on Wednesday, Sule, along with other Maharashtra MPs, attended a meeting chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil at New Maharashtra Sadan on the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Soon after the meeting, Sule travelled in the same car as Tawde, prompting fresh speculation in political circles. The two were reportedly heading to another parliamentary committee meeting.
The latest developments come amid renewed talk of a possible reunification between the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and the faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Sharad Pawar and Sule had also met Modi on July 22, further fuelling speculation of a possible rapprochement.
The meetings have also led to speculation that the NCP (SP) could support the proposed Delimitation Bill in Parliament. The BJP leadership has reportedly shown interest in bringing the two NCP factions together, although Sunetra Pawar and her elder son Parth Pawar have opposed the merger.