Now ally Pawar stands up: ‘Pained by PM’s remarks’

“There is not even a single instance where we (NCP) have caused any hindrance (for the government). Making such a sweeping statement has caused anguish and unease for us. I am the NCP chief. We have 15 MPs in Parliament. We have been working with this PM and the government for the last 7-8 years,” Pawar said.

There has been no occasion when the government took one decision and NCP another,Pawar said. “We maintain coalition dharma.”

Asked if the government would become unstable over the PM’s remarks,Pawar said he did not see any such thing happening. To another query,the Union minister ruled out possibility of mid-term polls. Pawar clarified that his party had no grouse against the ruling coalition at the

Centre and his reaction was limited only to the PM’s statement.

“We don’t have any other grouse against the UPA government. It is limited only to the PM’s statement. If he

has issues with any (ally) party,the PM has the full right to take a position on it. We felt bad about the PM’s statement,because we (NCP) never acted like this (against coalition dharma),” Pawar said.

Last Tuesday it was decided that there would be regular meetings of all UPA constituents,Pawar said. Accordingly,daily meetings have begun,he added.

“I had extreme sentiments on the decision on cotton export ban,which I had conveyed (to the Government),” he said. Pawar said he could not attend the swearing-in ceremony of “old friend” Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal due to ill-health. “There is no other reason for my skipping the function,” he added.

Asked if he saw the Samajwadi Party inching closer to UPA,Pawar said,“From what I have been seeing,the SP has been cooperative.”(with PTI)