NCP downplays BJP poll show, finds fault with ally Congress

Says Modi factor did not work in states like Chhattisgarh and Delhi

NCP today sought to downplay the good performance of BJP in the latest Assembly elections and claimed the "Modi factor" did not help the saffron party.

At the same time, the Sharad Pawar-led out party found fault with its ally Congress, saying it had become complacent and stopped making efforts to win elections.

"Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have been the bastions of BJP since the time of Jan Sangh (earlier avatar of BJP). The Modi factor did not work in states like Chhattisgarh and Delhi," Maharashtra NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik told PTI.

Taking potshots at Congress, he said, "Congress is not making additional efforts (to win polls). They want people to vote for them by default and this has led to their dismal performance."

Asked about likely impact of these State election results on the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, the NCP leader evaded a direct reply and said the country is likely to witness a hung Parliament in 2014.

NCP is part of Congress-led ruling coalition at the Centre and also Democratic Front Government in Maharashtra.