NCP rules out taking MNS support to form govt

Union Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday ruled out seeking support from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by Raj Thackeray to form government in Maharashtra.

Pawar, who expressed confidence that Congress-NCP Democratic Front would return to power, was replying to a query from mediaperons whether he subscribed to the view expressed by his nephew Ajit Pawar that his party was not 'allergic' to MNS and will not mind seeking its support in government formation.

"I am the party president and my views are final," said the NCP chief after cast his vote at his home town of Baramati.

Pawar said there were no differences between his party and alliance partner Congress on the issue of Chief Ministership if the DF was voted to power as Congress was contesting more seats than NCP.

Taking a jibe at Shiv Sena, he said the way the Thackeray brothers were fighting publicly, it was indicative of their lack of maturity and ability to run a government.

Pawar, who cast his ballot along with MP daughter Supriya Sule and state minister Ajit Pawar, said the issue of price rise would not affect the electoral prospects of the ruling alliance as the government had convincingly explained the reasons behind it.

Image: NCP chief Sharad Pawar