NCP offering outside support to BJP for stable government in Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar

Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Monday backed his party colleague Praful Patel's statement of offering unconditional external support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying his party wants a stable government in Maharashtra.

He also said the NCP will play a constructive role in the Maharashtra Assembly.

"The BJP has not contacted us yet. It is up to them to take a decision on what they want to do. The new government in Maharashtra needs to be stable, that's why Praful Patel has offered external support to the BJP," Pawar said.

Lauding the efforts of the NCP workers during the assembly elections, Pawar said: "We didn't have time to campaign everywhere, but still we have done well. We are happy. Our workers have done a great job, we will put our best efforts to play a crucial role in the assembly."

"We want to work for the people and solve their issues," he added.

The BJP emerged as the single-largest party in Maharashtra winning 122 seats in the 288-member house. The Shiv Sena finished second bagging 63 seats while the NCP emerged victorious in 41 seats.