New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) Amid swirling rumours about the NCP (Sharad Pawar) potentially joining the NDA, a delegation of party MPs led by Baramati MP Supriya Sule met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the 20-minute meeting, Shirur MP Dr Amol Kolhe clarified the details of the interaction, explicitly refuting claims regarding political realignments or upcoming legislation.
“During the meeting, the delegation submitted several requests related to Maharashtra’s policy issues, infrastructure projects, and cultural recognition. At the outset of the meeting, PM Modi enquired about the health of veteran leader Sharad Pawar. Commending Pawar’s work ethic and political journey, the Prime Minister noted that his energy and dedication remain an inspiration for everyone in public life,” said Dr Kolhe.
During the delegation’s interaction, the NCP(SP) MPs presented several crucial regional demands. The delegation submitted a request to confer India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, on prominent social reformers and cultural figures from Maharashtra: Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe, and Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj.
Highlighting drought conditions in Beed district, MP Bajrang Sonawane urged the government to release water from the Ujani Dam to the Manjara Dam.
Additionally, the MPs requested an increased constituency quota under the PM CARES fund to support financial aid for critical medical treatments.
MPs Suresh (Balya Mama) Mhatre and Dr Amol Kolhe requested the Centre to expedite the final decision on naming the Navi Mumbai International Airport after late leader D.B. Patil, following the state government’s proposal.
The Prime Minister’s attention was drawn to accelerating major projects, including the Nashik–Pune high-speed railway line, Pune–Nashik Metro, PM Gati Shakti schemes in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, JNPT port expansion, and the Kalyan–Murbad railway line, said Dr Kolhe.
MP Nilesh Lanke raised concerns regarding the expansion of cancer treatment infrastructure, while discussions were also held on controlling pollution in the Chandrabhaga River and addressing onion pricing issues for farmers.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting, MP Supriya Sule reiterated that no political topics were discussed.
She emphasised that because parliamentary sessions were facing disruptions, direct outreach was necessary to bring urgent public and constituency grievances to the Prime Minister’s notice. Dr Kolhe added that setting political differences aside to engage in constructive dialogue was essential for Maharashtra’s progress.
Dr Kolhe said he raised serious concerns over severe traffic congestion and pothole-ridden roads in the Chakan Industrial Zone of Maharashtra. He noted that despite a Rs 59 crore road repair tender being sanctioned, poor infrastructure conditions persist, leading to 19 fatal accidents in the area.
Addressing rumours regarding the party joining the NDA or supporting a potential Delimitation Bill, Dr Kolhe clarified that the meeting was strictly non-political.
“The delegation presented PM Modi with a traditional Mahatma Phule pagadi, a uparna (shawl), and a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj holding a scepter (Rajdand). These symbols represent the progressive ideology of Shivaji, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar,” he said.
He further added, “If anyone has doubts, they should look at the video of our meeting. No political topics or discussions regarding joining the NDA took place.”
Dr Kolhe dismissed speculation connecting the meeting to the Delimitation Bill, noting that as no such Bill has been introduced in Parliament yet, making any assumptions is premature.
The MP noted that the Prime Minister listened to the delegation’s issues and assured them that the matters would be examined for resolution.
NCP(SP) MP, Bajarang Sonawane, said that he submitted a comprehensive list of key developmental demands to PM Modi seeking immediate intervention across agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and employment sectors.
Sonawane said he demanded an immediate release of pending claims for the 2025–26 period under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), along with the re-implementation of the add-on insurance cover starting from the 2026–27 season, establishment of seasonal and mobile schools for children of sugarcane workers, alongside dedicated local employment arrangements for community welfare, boosting employment opportunities through targeted support for agro-based industries, food processing, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and skill development initiatives.
They also sought acceleration of construction of the Dharashiv–Beed–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar railway route and securing special central funds for major national highway developments across the region.
Further, he said he also urged the PM to approve a Medical College and Super Speciality Health Centre in Beed, as well as a 50-bed Critical Care Block in Ambajogai, expand Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cold storage facilities, warehousing infrastructure, and agricultural processing hubs and implementation of infrastructure and amenity developments across key religious and heritage tourism destinations in Beed through Union government schemes.
Sonawane also firmly put an end to ongoing speculation surrounding the NCP(SP) potentially joining the ruling Mahayuti coalition or the NDA. Clarifying the party’s position, Sonawane asserted that the NCP(SP) remains resolute in its role within the Opposition. “We are not just 100 per cent, but 1,000 per cent committed to remaining in the Opposition,” he declared.
Addressing rumours triggered by reported encounters with ruling coalition leaders during flights and travel, Sonawane dismissed the unnecessary suspicion. “It is completely natural to bump into leaders casually while travelling. Historically, Opposition leaders have met with ruling representatives in the interest of the public. Drawing political conclusions from such routine encounters is unjustified,” he explained.
Reiterating the party’s unwavering stance, the MP emphasised that he and his colleagues will continue to serve from the Opposition Benches to advocate for public grievances and safeguard community interests.
Meanwhile, NCP(SP) MLA, Rohit Pawar, said that the party’s eight MPs will vote against the Delimitation Bill in the Lok Sabha.
–IANS
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