Congress had proposed to support Shiv Sena led govt: Sharad Pawar

NCP's support from outside to BJP govt without compromising its ideology

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Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday said a senior Maharashtra Congress leader had proposed their parties jointly support the Shiv Sena in forming a government in the state. The NCP rejected the proposal, saying such a government would not last long.

Pawar’s nephew and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar also said a state Congress leader had telephoned his uncle seeking support for a Shiv Sena-led government. However, Ajit, who was on Monday elected NCP legislative wing leader, said his party did not consider it as there was no proposal from the Congress central leadership. “When the Congress supports a government from outside, the experience has not been encouraging. In the past, the Congress withdrew support. If the Congress does it again in Maharashtra, it would lead to fresh polls,” Pawar said, adding, “This is not a workable proposition.”

Further, Pawar said the NCP wanted a Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena government. “The NCP unilaterally decided to provide support from outside to the BJP-led government,” he added and pointed out the decision was taken in the larger interest of the state without compromising the party’s ideology. Ajit and state unit chief Sunil Tatkare said the NCP would not join the government.

The Congress has alleged the NCP is offering support to avoid investigations by the BJP-led government into allegations of corruption against its former ministers. “There has been criticism against me in connection with the irrigation scam. A special investigation team has submitted its report. Let there be an inquiry,” Ajit Pawar said.

The Congress will convene a meeting of its legislators in the next two days to elect a legislative wing leader. State unit chief Manikrao Thakre, who resigned owning responsibility for the Congress’ rout, told Business Standard, “The Congress will play the role of a responsible opposition. There is no question of joining or supporting the BJP or Shiv Sena government.” Thakre added leaders would meet the party’s central leadership and submit a report on the performance. A newly elected Congress legislator said there was talk within the party of joining the BJP, “however, it will not be easy considering the anti-defection law”.