Sharad Pawar hurt over PM remark against allies

There seems to be no end to confrontation the Congress-led UPA is facing from its constituent parties. The Nationalist Congress Party is the latest to fire salvo against the Congress for its highhandedness.

NCP president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday expressed anguish and pain over prime minister Manmohan Singh’s statement in parliament holding allies responsible for hurdles in policy decisions.  Though Pawar denied his remark was indication of the emergence of a third front, the unprovoked criticism against the PM, who did not name any ally, shows Pawar wants to reassert his political identity at the Centre.

Pawar said, “The NCP has been in coalition with the Congress for last seven-eight years. There is not a single instance where the NCP behaved irresponsibly. We have never staged a walkout from parliament or cabinet meetings.” Admonishing the Congress for undermining the allies, he said, “When we sit for any discussion on policy there may have been some differences of opinions. But once the cabinet takes the decision we have never opposed it in public. Nor have we indulged in any act that would have caused embarrassment to the Congress or the government.”

He said, “After all, even I have to answer my elected members of parliament and ministers. When statements against allies are made they question me and seek justification.”

Pawar’s attack is bound to give the Congress a nightmare as the NCP leader is perceived amongst the top leaders when it comes to realignment of political forces knowing his equations with parties both within the ruling coalition and the opposition. What is more shocking is that a cautious  Pawar has for the first time unhesitatingly criticized the prime minister for making a sweeping remarks against allies.