Praful Patel meets hospitalised Sharad Pawar after PM Modi's phone call, stirring NCP politics

Political activity has picked up in both Nationalist Congress Party factions. Sharad Pawar has been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi phoned him to ask after his health.

Praful Patel of Sunetra Pawar's party then met Sharad Pawar on Thursday. With resentment brewing in Sunetra Pawar's NCP, the meeting surprised many in political circles.

There is talk in political circles on whether this is a pressure tactic by Patel. It is also being said that a few days ago Patel met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi along with other leaders. Some are saying Patel has tried to send a different message by enquiring after Pawar's health. Patel is due to meet Sharad Pawar again after the 11th.

After the meeting, Patel said, "I learnt that Sharad Pawar saheb was in hospital, so I came to meet him. Sharad Pawar saheb is fine. He was just tired, so he has come for a check-up."

Patel said Pawar is his political mentor and that he has worked with him for 40 years. According to him, Pawar will be discharged in the next two to three days.

Patel also said, "Political roles may have drifted apart, but hearts have not. I keep meeting him all the time." He said there was no other discussion, only talk on what is happening in the state. According to Patel, Pawar likes to keep abreast of national and international politics.