Supriya Sule, daughter of Pawar enters nat politics

Mumbai, Sep 4: The stage is set for Surpiya Sule's elevation to national politics today with the official announcement of her candidature for the byelection to the Rajya Sabha to be held on September 18.

Thirty-eight-year old Sule, the only child of Union Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, was inducted into the party fold recently. She is an active social worker involved with the welfare of children belonging to nomadic tribes in rural Maharashtra. She also runs a school in Bhandup, north east Mumbai.

The by-election was neccessitated due to the death of NCP sitting MP Vasant Chavan on July 11.

She will file her nomination papers here tomorrow, NCP leader and Union Aviation Minister Praful Patel announced here this evening.

When contacted, Ms Sule refused to give any reaction to her nomination and said she would speak after filing her nominations.

''The decision to field Ms Sule was taken by NCP's Central Parliamentary Board on the recommendation of the party's state Parlimentary Board in a meeting held here during the day,'' Mr Patel said.

Mr Patel attended the meeting as an observer.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Patel said Ms Sule's's candidature had the support of the Congress as well. ''The support is without any pre-conditions'', he added.

He rejected the contention that NCP was encouraging dynastic politics with Ms Sule's nomination. ''There are several young leaders who have been given ample opportunities by the party. It was everybody's wish that Supriya be nominated for the Rajya Sabha.

There were a few aspirants for the vacant seat, but they categorically told the party that they would withdraw if Supriya is nominated'', Mr Patel said.

When asked about the support of Shiv Sena-BJP to her candidature, Mr Patel said, ''Supriya is Sharad Pawar's daughter. If other parties wish to support her candidature, we have no problem. But, she will be the official candidate of the NCP and the Congress''.

Supriya, who is married to Sadanand Sule, is mother of two children.

Mr Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar is a state minister and senior NCP leader. Supriya has vehemently scotched speculations about sibling rivalry since her induction into the party.

UNI