No Differences With Kesri, Says Pawar

Senior Congress leader Sharad Pawar yesterday dismissed reports of a rift between him and Sitaram Kesri and denied suggestions that the party chief was upset with him over attack by a section of MPs on the leadership at a tea party hosted by himon Saturday.

There is perfect unity in the party, he quipped when asked by newsmen about the reported rift between him and Kesri following the tea party.

Asked whether Kesri was upset with him, Pawar said the party chief did not give any such impression during his two-hour meeting with him on Saturday. He said he had informed Kesri in advance about the tea party.

Pawar declined to comment on the criticism by Kesri's supporters of his floor mismanagement during the vote of confidence in Lok Sabha, which saw Kesri coming under attack from the Prime Minister and other Front leaders. He (Kesri) has not not told me so, Pawar said.

Party sources said Pawar is expected to come under criticism at today's Congress Working Committee meeting for alleged floor mismanagement.

The former Maharshtra Chief Minister sought to play down the severe discontent voiced by party MPs against the leadership at his tea party on Saturday.

These things go on. They also criticise me at the meeting, he said.