Narendra Modi Calls Sharad Pawar Amid Hospitalization and Political Speculation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on November 4 to inquire about his health. Pawar had been admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on November 2 with cough, congestion, and pleuritic chest pain before being transferred to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai for further tests regarding a respiratory infection and bronchitis.

During the call, Modi advised the 85-year-old leader to prioritize rest and a strict diet, suggesting that Pawar's daughter, MP Supriya Sule, was ready to help shoulder national responsibilities. Pawar thanked the Prime Minister and assured him he would take the necessary rest. The interaction sparked immediate political speculation in Maharashtra, with Union Minister Ramdas Athawale suggesting Sule could be considered for a Union Cabinet position if she joined the National Democratic Alliance.

On November 5, NCP Working President Praful Patel visited Pawar at Breach Candy Hospital. While describing the visit as a courtesy call, Patel confirmed they discussed political matters. These developments occur amid internal NCP tensions, where leaders recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss organizational issues. Despite the outreach, NCP president Sunil Tatkare stated that a merger between the two NCP factions has been ruled out.