Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, along with his daughter and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule, visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Parliament office to discuss Maharashtra’s agrarian crisis and student protests related to the NEET-UG exam paper leak. This meeting occurred during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, following Pawar and Sule’s interaction with protesting students at Jantar Mantar.
Pawar presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister outlining the adverse effects of irregular rainfall, drought, and administrative hurdles on rural communities. He highlighted the alarming statistic of over 2,700 farmer suicides in Vidarbha and Marathwada within a year, stressing the need for fair pricing and transparent governance for farmers. The focus was on ensuring sustainable solutions rather than temporary relief measures like grants or loan waivers.
In addition to seeking efficient digital verification processes for speedy compensation disbursement to affected families, Pawar called for an independent audit of delayed irrigation projects and emphasized the importance of implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission in drought-prone regions. He also urged the government to engage positively with student protesters demanding fair treatment in competitive exams, advocating for a compassionate response over forceful actions.
The meeting between Pawar and Modi coincided with the Government’s push to secure parliamentary support for the Delimitation Bill during the Monsoon Session. Despite media speculation on political realignments, NCP (SP) representatives clarified that the discussions primarily revolved around agricultural policies and public grievances. NCP (SP)’s eight MPs hold significance in the Government’s legislative agenda, particularly concerning the Delimitation Bill, with indications that their support may hinge on specific assurances from the Government.
