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New Delhi: An important political development came to light on Wednesday amid the ongoing CJP (Cockroach Janata Party) agitation and police action against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations in the capital Delhi. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar and party MP Supriya Sule met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Parliament House complex.

This meeting took place at a time when both the leaders had reached Jantar Mantar a day earlier and were seen standing in support of the protesting students and agitators. Considering the time and developments, this meeting has given rise to discussions about new equations in national politics.

What was the political message of the meeting?

Prime Minister Modi and Sharad Pawar met during the Parliament session. Although no official information was shared by both sides regarding the agenda of the meeting, its timing became the most discussed topic. Because just before this, Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule had met the agitating students at Jantar Mantar and raised questions on the police action. In such a situation, many speculations are being made in political circles regarding the sudden meeting of the senior opposition leader with the prime minister.

Did you go to the protest site and give open support?

On Tuesday, Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule reached Jantar Mantar and met the protesting students. He enquired about the well being of the injured students and enquired about the demands of the movement. Pawar had publicly said that the police action against students cannot be considered in accordance with democratic values. He also expressed the need for transparency in the examination system and serious consideration of the demands of the students. Many other opposition leaders also reached Jantar Mantar in support of this movement and criticised the central government.

Was political speculation already going on?

There has been continuous speculation regarding Sharad Pawar faction in Maharashtra politics for the last few days. In recent times, political discussions had intensified after some political meetings of NCP (SP) leaders and Supriya Sule's soft stance on the delimitation bill. However, it has been repeatedly said by the party that normal political meetings should not be linked to change in alliance. Despite this, this meeting with the prime minister has once again fuelled these discussions.

What is the issue of CJP movement?

CJP has been agitating for the last several weeks against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, paper leaks and demanding reforms in the education system. The organisation is protesting at Jantar Mantar with many demands including the resignation of the Union Education Minister. Recently, this movement became a topic of discussion at the national level after the clash between police and protesters during the Parliament march. Opposition parties criticised the police action, while Delhi Police said necessary steps were taken to maintain law and order during the protests.

Will the meeting change the political equations?

At present, official details of the conversation between Prime Minister Modi and Sharad Pawar have not been revealed. In such a situation, it is not clear whether the meeting was limited only to parliamentary and administrative issues or contemporary political developments were also discussed in it. But the time when this meeting took place and the background in which both the leaders were seen with the agitators a day earlier have increased the curiosity of political analysts.

If both sides issue any formal statement regarding this meeting in the coming days, then the picture of the real objective of this meeting may become clearer.