3 weeks ago
NCP (SP) MPs meet PM Modi; discuss Maharashtra issues
In India, a group of lawmakers from a party called NCP (SP) went to meet the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
The group was led by Supriya Sule, and all eight members of the party in the Lok Sabha went along.
They met at the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi.
The lawmakers talked about problems in their home state, Maharashtra.
They discussed dry weather, water shortages, high onion prices, and pollution in a river called the Chandrabhaga.
They did not talk about a law called the FCRA Bill, which deals with foreign funding.
Supriya Sule does not like that bill in its current form and wants it changed or withdrawn.
The party has different opinions about another bill, the Delimitation Bill, which can redraw voting areas.
Some leaders are open to discussing it, while others say the party will oppose it.
Earlier, in July, party chief Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule also met the Prime Minister about students, farmers, and water problems.
All eight NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MPs, led by working president Supriya Sule, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi on Monday.
The delegation raised Maharashtra issues including drought, water scarcity, onion prices, and pollution in the Chandrabhaga river, along with constituency-specific concerns.
The contentious FCRA Amendments Bill did not figure in the meeting, which lasted about 15 minutes (one report said 15-20 minutes).
Party leaders gave differing views on the proposed Delimitation Bill: Shashikant Shinde said the party was not opposed to discussing it under assurances, while Rohit Pawar said all party MPs would oppose it.
On July 22, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule had met PM Modi to discuss NEET paper leaks, farmers' problems, water management, and education sector issues.
- Who
- A delegation of all eight NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MPs, led by working president Supriya Sule, meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- The MPs discussed Maharashtra-related issues such as drought, water scarcity, onion prices, and pollution in the Chandrabhaga river, plus constituency-specific concerns.
- Where
- The Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi.
- When
- Monday, according to reports dated August 10.
- Why
- To press for measures on Maharashtra and constituency issues and public demands, amid speculation over the party's stand on the Delimitation Bill.
Open to discussion
Firm opposition
Delimitation Bill stance
Open to discussion
Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Shashikant Shinde said the party was not opposed to discussing the Delimitation Bill if the Centre assured it would not be used for political gains, and said the party supports women's reservation.
Firm opposition
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar took a firmer position, saying all party MPs would oppose the legislation in Parliament, arguing it could alter Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies and adversely affect the democratic process.
Purpose of the meeting
Open to discussion
The meeting assumed political significance amid speculation that the NCP (SP) could extend issue-based support to the Centre, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi sought clarity from the party on its position.
Firm opposition
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said the delegation's meeting with Modi was primarily related to public issues, including the Samruddhi Expressway and the ongoing agitation over the Pune-Nashik railway line.
Key facts
- Delegation
- All eight NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MPs, led by working president Supriya Sule
- Meeting duration
- About 15 minutes; one report said 15-20 minutes
- Topics discussed
- Drought, water scarcity, onion prices, Chandrabhaga river pollution, and constituency issues
- FCRA Bill
- Did not figure in the meeting; Sule urges withdrawal or referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee
- Previous meeting
- July 22 - Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule met PM Modi
- Earlier issues raised
- NEET paper leaks, farmers' problems, water management, and education sector
- Party alliance
- NCP (SP) is part of the opposition INDIA bloc; Ajit Pawar-led NCP is aligned with the BJP-led NDA
- Location
- New Delhi
Quotes
Supriya Sule
Working president of the NCP (SP) and former Union Minister
“"The Honourable Prime Minister gave assurances of positive and concrete measures on all these issues."”
theprint.in
“"One cannot always view foreign funding with suspicion."”
theprint.in
Sources
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