In a sudden development that caught the political circles unawares, Nationalist Congress Party chief and veteran Maharashtra politician Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The two leaders were closeted for about 25 minutes and the contents of their meeting are not known.
The meeting assumed significance as both Pawar and Modi are in opposite camps and Pawar's NCP is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, of which the BJP is the chief opposition.
The meeting has come about amid rumours of differences between the Congress, NCP and the Shiv Sena. Meanwhile, sources also say that the meeting happened under the shadow of the Enforcement Directorate raids on the firms belonging to Shiv Sena's loudmouth leader Sanjay Raut.
However, sources say that Modi shares a very special relationship with Sharad Pawar and considers him his guru in politics. Sharad Pawar helped him during the Gujarat earthquake in 2001 by sharing his experiences and providing necessary support. Though both are in opposite camps, they are considered quite close to each other.
Political analysts say that Sharad Pawar is now being projected as the possible chief of the UPA. Though Sharad Pawar denied this and said that Sonia Gandhi will continue as the UPA chief, the buzz has refused to die down. Analysts feel that this development too may have been the reason for the meeting.
The meeting assumed significance as both Pawar and Modi are in opposite camps and Pawar's NCP is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, of which the BJP is the chief opposition.
The meeting has come about amid rumours of differences between the Congress, NCP and the Shiv Sena. Meanwhile, sources also say that the meeting happened under the shadow of the Enforcement Directorate raids on the firms belonging to Shiv Sena's loudmouth leader Sanjay Raut.
However, sources say that Modi shares a very special relationship with Sharad Pawar and considers him his guru in politics. Sharad Pawar helped him during the Gujarat earthquake in 2001 by sharing his experiences and providing necessary support. Though both are in opposite camps, they are considered quite close to each other.
Political analysts say that Sharad Pawar is now being projected as the possible chief of the UPA. Though Sharad Pawar denied this and said that Sonia Gandhi will continue as the UPA chief, the buzz has refused to die down. Analysts feel that this development too may have been the reason for the meeting.