NCP (Sharad Pawar) MPs, led by Baramati MP Supriya Sule, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 10 August, presenting a raft of developmental demands for Maharashtra while categorically rejecting speculation that the meeting signalled any political realignment with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The 20-minute interaction was described by the delegation as strictly non-political.

What the Delegation Brought to the Table

Shirur MP Dr Amol Kolhe, who briefed reporters after the meeting, said the delegation submitted requests spanning infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and cultural recognition. Among the most prominent demands was a request to confer the Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honour — on Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe, and Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj, all towering figures in Maharashtra's social reform legacy.

MP Bajrang Sonawane highlighted acute drought conditions in Beed district and urged the Centre to release water from the Ujani Dam to the Manjara Dam. The delegation also sought an increased constituency quota under the PM CARES fund to support critical medical treatments for constituents.

Infrastructure and Regional Projects Flagged

MPs Suresh (Balya Mama) Mhatre and Dr Kolhe pressed for a final decision on naming the Navi Mumbai International Airport after late leader D.B. Patil, in line with a proposal already submitted by the state government. The delegation also urged the Centre to accelerate the Nashik–Pune high-speed railway line, the Pune–Nashik Metro, PM Gati Shakti schemes in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the JNPT port expansion, and the Kalyan–Murbad railway line.

MP Nilesh Lanke raised the need to expand cancer treatment infrastructure, while the delegation also discussed curbing pollution in the Chandrabhaga River and resolving onion pricing concerns affecting farmers. Dr Kolhe separately flagged severe traffic congestion and pothole-ridden roads in the Chakan Industrial Zone, noting that despite a ₹59 crore road repair tender being sanctioned, conditions remain dangerous — with 19 fatal accidents recorded in the area.

Rumours of NDA Entry Firmly Rejected

The meeting came against a backdrop of persistent speculation about NCP(SP) potentially shifting allegiances toward the ruling coalition. All three MPs who addressed the media were unequivocal in their denial. Supriya Sule told reporters that no political topics were discussed, adding that direct outreach to the Prime Minister had become necessary because parliamentary sessions were facing repeated disruptions.

Dr Kolhe said, 'If anyone has doubts, they should look at the video of our meeting. No political topics or discussions regarding joining the NDA took place.' He also dismissed any link between the meeting and a prospective Delimitation Bill, pointing out that no such bill has yet been introduced in Parliament, making speculation premature.

Sonawane went further, asserting the party's position in unambiguous terms: 'We are not just 100 per cent, but 1,000 per cent committed to remaining in the Opposition.' He attributed recent rumours to casual encounters with ruling coalition leaders during travel, calling it 'completely natural to bump into leaders while travelling' and dismissing any political reading of such routine interactions.

Delimitation Bill: Party to Vote Against

Meanwhile, NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Pawar stated that the party's eight MPs will vote against the Delimitation Bill in the Lok Sabha if and when it comes up for consideration. This declaration further underscores the party's stated commitment to the Opposition bloc.

Prime Minister Modi, according to Dr Kolhe, listened to the delegation's concerns and assured them that the matters raised would be examined for resolution. The delegation also presented the Prime Minister with a traditional Mahatma Phule pagadi, a uparna (shawl), and a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj holding a sceptre — symbols, the MPs said, representing the progressive ideology of Shivaji, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar. With the Opposition's internal cohesion under scrutiny, how NCP(SP) navigates its legislative role in the coming sessions will be closely watched.