Prashant Kishor, an election strategist, paid Sharad Pawar a three-hour courtesy visit, sparking rumours of a possible third front against the BJP led by the NCP president. The lunch meeting has national and regional implications, especially given Maharashtra’s unique political signalling. While the Shiv Sena, a close ally of the NCP in the state, has downplayed the meeting, both Kishor and Pawar have declined to speak thereafter.
The conference is being viewed as a forerunner to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections for formulating a strategy under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, in light of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent remark urging unity of all regional Opposition leaders.
However, no official confirmation has been given by any leader as of yet. Mamata Banerjee and Sharad Pawar, on the other hand, are close friends and have advocated for a united opposition front against the BJP, which is not led by Congress President Rahul Gandhi.
To about 10.45 a.m., Kishor arrived at Pawar’s Silver Oak apartment on Peddar Road in Mumbai. The meeting lasted until about 2 p.m. Jayant Patil, the state president of the NCP, also attended the conference for a short period. While Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister and Pawar’s nephew, has denied any suspicions, Chhagan Bhujbal has welcomed the news. “Pawar saheb interacts with individuals from all walks of life. That does not imply that the party will seek their assistance at the federal or state levels “Ajit said.
Kishor, according to Bhujbal, is a successful political strategist who has advised many political parties. “He is an electoral guru. Pawar saheb will certainly listen to him if he has any recommendations “In Nasik, he remarked.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena in Nandurbar dismissed the meeting, saying, “Prashant Kishor is a political strategist.” He must have met him for the purpose of completing a survey or better understanding anything. There’s no need to be so concerned about it.”
Sena leader Arvind Sawant, on the other hand, praised the meeting, stating, “The Congress is in turmoil, and that has aided the BJP.” It is critical to have a robust opposition and a viable alternative to the BJP. Sharad Pawar is the most knowledgeable and diligent leader. Balasaheb, too, wished for a Marathi manoos to govern the country. Sharad Pawar was instrumental in the formation of Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi. We can’t wait to see him as Prime Minister.”
The political climate in Maharashtra is also tumultuous at this time, with Shiv Sena eager to demonstrate that the BJP’s doors are not closed to it. Sharad Pawar had reminded the Sena of its dependability and trustworthiness in a rare public statement on Thursday. “Once Sena makes a promise, it keeps it. After Balasaheb Thackeray gave his word in 1977, the Sena rallied around Indira Gandhi. “This administration will serve out its five-year mandate and then work for the vidhan sabha and lok sabha,” he had stated. Devendra Fadnavis met with Sharad Pawar behind closed doors a few days ago.
