Patna: Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has sparked fresh political speculation after reports emerged of a recent meeting with Sunetra Pawar in Maharashtra. The development comes months after Kishor’s electoral setback in Bihar and has fuelled discussion about a possible role in the Maharashtra-based Nationalist Congress Party.
According to political sources, Kishor and Sunetra Pawar held a meeting lasting nearly two hours, during which organisational strategy and the party’s future direction were reportedly discussed.
Sunetra Pawar Issues Clarification
Amid growing speculation, Sunetra Pawar addressed the issue publicly through a post on X, stating that Kishor shares a longstanding personal relationship with her family.
She said Kishor was “like a brother” to her and added that the family had known him since the time of “Dada”, a reference to senior Maharashtra political circles associated with the Pawar family.
“He was in the city yesterday, so we invited him home for lunch and a pleasant conversation,” she wrote.
Pawar also sought to distance the meeting from reports of a formal political arrangement.
“I would like to clarify the situation regarding the speculations circulating about him working with the NCP. To the best of my knowledge, it has been several years since he stepped away from the role of a political consultant,” she said.
She added that she did not expect any change in that position but maintained that both sides would continue to support one another whenever required.
Political Significance
Despite the clarification, the meeting has intensified political discussion in Maharashtra, particularly within the NCP camp. Observers believe Kishor’s political experience and election management background could prove valuable as the party attempts to strengthen its organisational structure ahead of future electoral contests.
The NCP has faced internal challenges in recent years following divisions within the party leadership and shifting political alliances in Maharashtra. The organisation is also preparing for upcoming local body and assembly elections in the state.
Kishor, who previously worked as an election strategist for several regional and national parties, formally entered active politics in Bihar through his Jan Suraaj campaign. However, recent electoral outcomes in the state have raised questions about his immediate political trajectory.
Focus Turns to Maharashtra
While neither Kishor nor the NCP has confirmed any formal partnership, the meeting has drawn attention because of the timing and the current political situation in Maharashtra.
Political analysts say any association between Kishor and the NCP, even in an informal advisory capacity, could influence the party’s strategy ahead of key elections. For now, however, the party leadership has publicly maintained that the interaction was personal rather than political.
