Vitthal Maniyar, a close associate of Pawar, said Modi called on Wednesday and urged the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president to rest following treatment at a Pune hospital. Maniyar attributed to the Prime Minister remarks suggesting Pawar’s daughter, Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule, was ready to shoulder national responsibilities.
Neither Modi nor Pawar publicly confirmed the precise wording of the conversation. There has been no official announcement of an alliance negotiation, party reunification or proposed government position for Sule arising from the call.
Maniyar told journalists in Pune that Modi had spoken warmly to Pawar and asked him to take complete rest. He quoted the Prime Minister as saying that Sule was ready and could help look after the country while her father recovered.
Pawar thanked Modi for his concern and indicated that he was resting, according to Maniyar. The account prompted discussion because Sule remains a prominent figure in the opposition INDIA grouping, while the other NCP faction participates in the BJP-led governing coalition in Maharashtra.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale separately suggested that Sule could be considered for a Union Cabinet position if she joined the National Democratic Alliance. His remarks were conditional and did not constitute an offer from Modi or confirmation of any discussions with Sule.
The political uncertainty follows renewed differences within the NCP organisation led by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Senior party figures met Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier this week, amid disagreements over internal decision-making and demands concerning the finance portfolio in Maharashtra’s government.
State NCP president Sunil Tatkare subsequently said the party would continue under Sunetra Pawar’s leadership and ruled out a merger with the Sharad Pawar faction. He acknowledged that reunification had figured in discussions, but his public position offered no indication that an agreement was approaching.
The rival organisations have remained separate since Ajit Pawar broke with his uncle Sharad Pawar in 2023 and aligned with the BJP. Ajit Pawar died in an aircraft crash in January 2026, after which his wife Sunetra Pawar became deputy chief minister. The leadership transition brought renewed attention to possible reconciliation within the wider political family.
Sharad Pawar has previously rejected suggestions that his organisation was preparing to merge with the rival faction. Any change would have implications for the balance of power within Maharashtra’s governing Mahayuti alliance and for opposition cooperation at the national level.
Sule, who represents Baramati in the Lok Sabha, has continued to participate in opposition politics. Her position makes any suggestion of a move towards the NDA politically significant, but neither her participation in government nor a change of allegiance has been established.
The immediate reason for Modi’s call was Pawar’s health. The veteran leader was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on Monday after complaining of a cough and pleuritic chest pain. Hospital officials said he underwent medical evaluation and observation before being discharged on Wednesday.
Dr Purvez K Grant, chairman and managing trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic, said Pawar was stable and doing well at discharge. Sule said her father was feeling better and thanked the hospital team for its care.
Later on Wednesday, however, Sule disclosed that Pawar had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai for further tests. The additional hospital visit followed his transfer from Pune and was not accompanied by an announcement of a new diagnosis.
Modi’s conversation took place against this medical backdrop, with Maniyar describing advice on rest and recovery rather than a formal political proposal. His account nevertheless drew attention to Sule’s standing and to unresolved questions surrounding the NCP’s two organisations.
The NCP divisions also involve questions over party organisation and leadership authority. Tatkare’s statements underline the distinction between informal conversations among politicians and decisions authorised by the parties. No joint statement from the two factions has outlined a timetable or terms for reunification.
A proposed visit by Modi to Baramati for the inauguration of a museum complex at Vidya Pratishthan has also been under discussion. An earlier date was postponed, and a revised programme had not been officially confirmed.
