NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule on Friday downplayed the political controversy over her father Sharad Pawar’s meeting with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling it a “storm in a tea cup.” The clarification follows objections from ally Shiv Sena (UBT) over the meeting at Shinde’s office in the Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday.
Pawar-Shinde Meeting: A Courtesy Call, Sule Says
Sule described the interaction as a “short courtesy meeting” and denied speculation that NCP (SP) MPs were considering joining the NDA. She emphasized party unity, stating all eight NCP (SP) MPs remained together. “I am in constant touch with all our eight MPs. We are all united,” she told reporters.
Shiv Sena UBT’s Reaction and Clarification
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had initially criticized Pawar’s meeting with Shinde, calling the latter a “traitor” and warning that such interactions could harm Pawar’s credibility. However, Raut later clarified that his party was no longer upset with Pawar, though he maintained that Shinde should remain “untouchable” for MVA allies.
Sule addressed the dispute as a “misunderstanding” and confirmed she had spoken with Raut to resolve it. “We are good now,” she said.
Congress Claims and NCP (SP) Denial
Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan added to the controversy by claiming some NCP (SP) MPs were “restless” and might switch sides. The NCP (SP) rejected these claims, with MLA Jayant Patil asserting that all eight MPs and 10 MLAs were united. Patil also criticized Chavan for speculating about another party’s internal affairs.
The meeting occurred during Pawar’s visit to the Maharashtra Assembly for a discussion on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
