Unable to resolve differences between senior leaders, the NCP national executive has left it to party chief Sharad Pawar to decide on alliances for the Lok Sabha elections. That is likely to shape up once Pawar meets Congress president Sonia Gandhi tomorrow.Party spokesman Praful Patel read out the resolution leaving the decision to Pawar even as senior leader P.A. Sangma, who has aired his differences, also endorsed the view of the executive. He, however, said he would quit the NCP if it allied with the Congress under Sonia Gandhi.The Chhattisgarh unit of the party too, led by veteran leader V.C. Shukla, backed Sangma’s point of view but has not been as stubborn. ‘‘While both leaders expressed their reservations, they have endorsed the resolution,’’ Patel said.The spokesperson also said Sonia Gandhi will meet Pawar over tea at his residence tomorrow ‘‘to discuss the political situation arising out of the call for early elections’’, their first after parting ways five years ago. Patel said the concerns voiced by Sangma and Shukla about the north-east and Chhattisgarh would be raised by Pawar during his meeting with Sonia.On whether the party could have state-wise alliances, he said: ‘‘There can be only one view for the Lok Sabha elections.’’ He added there was no question of ‘‘options of alliances’’ Pawar alone would take the decision. On the issue of an alliance with the NDA, Patel said, ‘‘We are keeping the overall picture in mind. There is a wide range of views. Let us see what the Congress is open to.’’
