Pawar must avoid anti-Sonia tirade8217;

MUMBAI, OCT 30: Just when one would expect everything to be hunky dory between the volatile partners that form the Democratic Front DF ...

MUMBAI, OCT 30: Just when one would expect everything to be hunky dory between the volatile partners that form the Democratic Front DF in Maharashtra, one of them fires another salvo, which takes them back to square one. This time around, it is the turn of Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to express his displeasure at the disrespect with which Sharad Pawar, chief of the Nationalist Congress Party treats Sonia Gandhi8217;s foreign origins.

Deshmukh feels that in the larger interest of both parties, 8220;it would be better if Pawar avoided adverse remarks against Congress president Sonia Gandhi, particularly on her foreign origin quot;.

8220;His remarks against Sonia Gandhi cause us embarrassment. Under the present circumstances, I feel that in the interest of the Democratic Front, such references should be avoided for the smooth functioning of the new government,8221; Deshmukh said.

Sounding what could be termed as a mild warning, the Chief Minister said that if the harsh criticism against Sonia continued, 8220;thenthere could be problems for the DF government apart from the embarrassment it would naturally cause.8221;

8220;I hope such a situation does not arise. However, if there is no restraint, then I will stand by my leader and there will be absolutely no compromise,8221; Deshmukh remarked.

Deshmukh now reveals that the Congress was compelled8217; to align with the NCP when asked why the party decided to align with the NCP despite Pawar8217;s public opposition to Sonia. As the Sena-BJP alliance had not got a clear mandate, the Congress joined hands with the NCP to form a secular government. 8220;The agenda of the NCP is at the national level, while we have reached an agreement to form the government at the state level,8221; he explained.

However, Deshmukh believes that given time, the situation will improve to a great extend. 8220;Time is the best healer. As time passes, I am sure, the criticism will be reduced to a great extent and there will be normalcy between Congress and NCP,8221; he added.

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As of now though, Deshmukh said that hehad only a working relation with Pawar; no further. 8220;I have working relations with him. Whenever there is a need, I talk to him,8221; he said.

Deshmukh was confident that the DF would be able to complete its term despite threats from Bal Thackeray to topple the government soon. 8220;I feel Thackeray is speaking out frustration, mainly to keep his party intact,8221; he said.

If Thackeray was keen to topple the government, he had two opportunities, firstly during the speaker8217;s election and subsequently, during the motion on vote of confidence. 8220;In the first election, they were badly mauled, while in the second event, they did not participate and staged a boycott,8221; he stated.

There was absolutely no threat to his government, since there was no alternative, Deshmukh said confidently. The only way the government could fall was through a breakup between the allies, which was very remote, he said. 8220;All the constituents of the DF have the common objective of keeping the Sena-BJP out of power,8221; heexplained.

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8220;Since the Congress and NCP were together for several decades, there wil not be any major problems. We have almost the same culture. For political reasons, NCP was formed and as such, we will be able to provide a result-oriented administration,8221; he said.

Meanwhile, Deshmukh has no plans to overhaul either the bureaucracy or the police force. 8220;In fact, I have not been able to apply my mind to these aspects8221;.