Internal Matter: Supriya Sule On Sunetra Pawar-Prashant Kishor Meet Amid Rift Buzz

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule has dismissed the recent meeting between Sunetra Pawar-led faction and political strategist Prashant Kishor as an "internal matter", as speculation over a rift within the Pawar family continues to simmer.

Speaking to reporters, Sule, who is the daughter of party patriarch Sharad Pawar, sought to downplay the significance of the talks, which have drawn sharp reactions from rival political camps. Her remarks come days after Kishor, known for his role in crafting election-winning strategies, held discussions with Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar—both of whom are aligned with the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP.

What Happened at the Meeting?

Prashant Kishor met Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar in Mumbai, where discussions reportedly focused on ways to strengthen the NCP. The meeting, which took place amid heightened political activity in Maharashtra, has been interpreted by many as a move to consolidate the Ajit Pawar faction's position ahead of upcoming elections.

Details of the discussions have not been officially disclosed, but sources suggest that organisational overhaul and voter outreach were among the topics. The meeting has also triggered questions about whether Kishor, who has previously worked with opposition parties, is now advising a faction that is part of the ruling alliance in the state.

Political Reactions

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have both raised eyebrows over Kishor's advisory role with the NCP, which is a BJP ally in Maharashtra. Leaders from both parties have questioned the timing and intent of the engagement, with some suggesting it could signal a shift in political equations.

Sule, however, remained firm in her response. "It is an internal matter of the party," she said, refusing to elaborate further. Her brief but pointed comment has left room for interpretation, with political observers noting that she did not explicitly endorse or condemn the meeting.

Family Rift Speculation

The meeting has added fuel to ongoing speculation about differences within the Pawar family. While Sharad Pawar leads one faction of the NCP, his nephew Ajit Pawar heads another that has been part of the state government since 2023. Sunetra Pawar, Ajit's wife, and Parth Pawar, their son, have been increasingly visible in political roles.

The sight of Sunetra and Parth meeting a high-profile strategist like Kishor has been read by many as an attempt to build an independent political identity for the family's next generation. It also comes at a time when Sharad Pawar's faction has been asserting its own organisational strength, making the dynamics within the family a subject of intense public interest.

What Next?

Political analysts are watching closely to see whether Kishor's involvement goes beyond informal advice. If his engagement with the Sunetra Pawar-led faction deepens, it could alter the balance of power within the NCP and reshape alliances in Maharashtra.

For now, both factions appear to be in a wait-and-watch mode, with no official statements on future engagements. The coming weeks are likely to reveal whether this meeting was a one-off or the beginning of a broader strategic realignment.