Sharad Pawar upset with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for statement where he took potshots at allies
Sharad Pawar upset with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for statement where he took potshots at allies
ADVERTISEMENT
Clock ticking for UPA? Pawar has asked Congress not to compare his
party with other coalition members. File pic
This after NCP supremo and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said yesterday that he was pained by the Prime Minister's comments on allies. Addressing media persons at YB Chavan Centre near Mantralaya, Pawar said his party has always adhered to the coalition dharma. "My party MPs have always been supportive of the government and have toed the line of the UPA. After coming to know of the PM's statement I felt it my duty to clear my party's stand on the issue. Do not try to paint all the coalition partners with the same brush," he said.
Alienated allies?
Pawar was reacting to Dr Manmohan Singh's statement in Parliament on Monday where the latter had blamed UPA allies for creating problems during major policy decisions. Pawar also clarified his position on NCP attending the swearing-in ceremony of the Akali Dal government in Punjab recently. "I maintain a very cordial relationship with Parkash Singh Badal since 1978. Since I was ill, party leader Praful Patel and MP Supriya Sule were present at the ceremony," he said.u00a0
On the question of joining hands with Congress to capture power in zilla parishads and panchayat samitis, the NCP chief said it has been decided that the party with maximum numbers will claim posts in local bodies. "But I am told Congress has second thoughts about some places in the state. If that's the case, NCP will reserve its right to align with other parties even though we are not inclined to do so," he said. Even as he was unhappy, Pawar ruled out any possibility of mid-term polls.
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
