No differences in NCP over support to BJP's Maharashtra govt: Sule

Asserting that there were no differences in the party over its decision to extend outside support to the BJP government in Maharashtra, NCP MP Supriya Sule on Thursday denied that she had reservations about the party’s stand.

Some reports said that Sule and former minister Jayant Patil had expressed displeasure over the support to BJP. Talking to reporters here, Sule said the meeting was about the future course for the party. “It was a freewheeling discussion, introspective.... Discussions were about how to expand the party base. There was no question of talking about anything else,” she said.

“I am appalled how such a bubble that I have differences with my father (NCP chief Sharad Pawar) who also happens to be my boss can be manufactured.” She also denied that Pawar had threatened the BJP with his statement that there would be snap polls. “He spoke about different possibilities and options in the prevailing political situation.” Sule said the decision to extend outside support to BJP was taken a month ago and the party had been consistent in its stand that it did not want to force another election in the state and was supporting the government for stability and on issues of development.

Replying to a question, Sule said her party was the target of criticism on social media for supporting BJP, but contended that the support was for development agenda and not the communal one.

"Till now, the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister have spoken only about development and not about communal or divisive issues," she said.

Hitting out at the media, Sule said she felt disheartened, disillusioned and hurt by the rumours of her opposition to party's stand. "I feel victimised with this gossip," she said.

Earlier in the day, Sule and Sharad Pawar attended the meeting of MPs from Maharashtra convened by the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ahead of the next week's parliament session.

The drought situation, sugarcane, milk and cotton prices, and infrastructure issues in Pune were some of the issues that she and her father highlighted at the meeting, she said.

"I said all the MPs should meet Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to discuss pending railway projects in the state and see to it that Maharashtra gets good funds for these projects," she said.