The Congress should sever its ties with the NCP whose image has been "maligned" after the arrest of its MP Padmasinh Patil in connection with the Nimbalkar murder case, senior party leader Balasaheb Vikhe Patil said.
"In the next assembly elections, the Congress should not have any ties with NCP because its image has maligned and the recent issue of Padmasinh's arrest has proved it," he told PTI.
"Earlier, the Congress had suffered a serious setback in Bihar and UP when it had ties with regional parties having criminal background," Patil said apparently referring to RJD and LJP. Now when the Congress has disassociated itself with them in these states, it has done well, he said.
"Similarly, in Maharashtra, the Congress leadership should think seriously of going alone in the ensuing assembly elections," Patil said adding "the NCP is expanding its support at the cost of the Congress."
The Congress leader also extended his support to the movement launched by veteran social worker Anna Hazare against criminalisation and corruption in politics.
"It is a right step and I will join it," he said. "The government should provide protection to him," Patil added.