Raj working to build party, Uddhav got it on a platter: Pawar

NCP president Sharad Pawar today made light of Uddhav Thackeray's remarks that his bid to join NDA was foiled and lavished praise on the Shiv Sena president's estranged cousin, MNS chief Raj Thackeray.
"I feel pity (over Uddhav's statement)," Pawar said, speaking to reporters, after addressing a rally for NCP candidate from Alibaug Sunil Tatkare.
"The party (Shiv Sena) was built by Uddhav's father. He has got everything on a platter. But that fellow (Raj) is at least struggling to build the party which he formed," the NCP leader added.
He also said MNS was not a party to be taken lightly based on past voting pattern and parried a question about the estrangement between the cousins, saying, "I don't think we will benefit from that."

Asked if Uddhav is not able to handle Sena, Pawar said, "I can't say anything. But the fact that eight to nine of their MPs meet another party president (to join it) indicates the state of affairs in that party."
Congress and NCP rank and file is working vigorously in this elections, Pawar said. "There is perfect understanding between Congress and NCP. I am also getting feedback from Congress that they are getting cooperation from NCP," he said.
Asked if after two months NCP will continue to be part of UPA, Pawar said, "NCP has been a part of UPA. I don't know why such mischievous questions are being asked time and again despite my clarifying innumerable times."

On who would be his political heir in Delhi, Pawar said, "We are not like raje-rajwade (royals). One who is competent will don that role.