MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called veteran Maharashtra politician Sharad Pawar to enquire about his health, with his reported remarks about Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule triggering curiosity in political circles.
According to Pawar’s close friend Vitthal Maniyar, Modi advised the 85-year-old Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief to focus on his recovery and not worry about other responsibilities.
“Take care of your health and don’t worry. Supriya Sule and we will take care of the country’s responsibilities,” Modi reportedly told Pawar during the telephone conversation. He is also said to have urged the veteran leader to rest and bless him. Pawar thanked the Prime Minister for his concern, Maniyar told the media.
Why was Pawar hospitalised?
Pawar developed a cough and chest pain while touring drought-affected areas of Maharashtra. He subsequently cut short his visit and was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on November 2.
Doctors conducted medical examinations and kept him under observation as a precaution. His health parameters were reported to be stable, while his daughter Supriya Sule also provided updates on his condition.
Following an improvement in his health, Pawar was discharged on November 4 and returned to his Mumbai residence. He is expected to rest for a few days.
Political speculation over Modi’s remarks
The Prime Minister’s reported reference to Supriya Sule and his assurance that they would jointly look after the country’s responsibilities have attracted attention amid Maharashtra’s political developments.
The remarks have prompted speculation about whether Pawar’s faction could move closer to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
However, there is no indication that the telephone conversation involved any discussion on a political alliance or a change in political position. For now, the interaction appears to have been a goodwill gesture by the Prime Minister towards a senior political leader recovering from illness.
