Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Sunil Tatkare met NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday, May 12, which has triggered political speculation in Maharashtra. Tatkare later clarified that the meeting was only to inquire about Pawar’s health. However, NCP MLA Rohit Pawar made a major political claim regarding the visit, alleging that Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel could join the BJP along with 22 MLAs.
Speaking at a press conference, Rohit Pawar claimed that Tatkare and Praful Patel would contest elections from the BJP with the support of 22 MLAs. He also alleged that some MLAs from Eknath Shinde’s party were involved in the move.
Rohit Pawar further claimed that an MLA from Maval was also likely to contest from the BJP. Taking a swipe at Tatkare, he remarked that “Sunil Tatkare must like the tea at Silver Oak.”
Senior NCP leader Sunil Tatkare had visited Sharad Pawar at his residence, Silver Oak, on Tuesday as a goodwill gesture. Pawar had recently been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital due to health issues and was discharged after treatment.
Tatkare later clarified through a social media post that the meeting was purely personal and related to Pawar’s health. He said he had been planning to meet Pawar since his return from hospital but could not do so earlier due to time constraints.
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"Yesterday, I paid a courtesy visit to the esteemed Shri Sharad Pawar Saheb at his Silver Oak residence and inquired about his health. Over the past few months, Saheb's health had not been well, due to which he had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital for treatment. Since then, there had been an intent to visit him, but due to scheduling constraints in the interim period, this meeting finally took place yesterday. During this visit, there was no discussion on any political matters, nor was there any such objective behind the meeting," said Tatkare in a post on X.
"For the past six decades, Saheb has been making significant contributions to the country's politics. I have worked under his guidance for a long time, and he has played a major role in my political development. Therefore, paying a visit and inquiring about his health is part of a rich political tradition that extends beyond Maharashtra's politics. It was in keeping with this tradition that this meeting occurred. Saheb's health is now excellent, and his energy for work remains as steadfast today as it was in the past," he added.