Patel debunks CM merger claim

Maharahstra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has hinted at a possible merger of the Nationalist Congress Party and Congress. Praful Patel, Union aviation minister and senior NCP leader, however, said it was “untrue” and “aimed at creating confusion among people”.

The matter is significant because of the elections in 33 zilla parishads and hundreds of panchayat samitis in the state. In the recent elections, Congress fared poorly. Political analysts say results could have been different if Congress had gone for an alliance with NCP.

“NCP is our natural ally,” the chief minister said. “They are a part of the family... part of Congress. The main family is Congress. After some time... after a few years, if they have to return, Congress is the only party,” he said. “There is a talk going on at the highest level. I hope something good comes out of it.”

Deshmukh ruled out ideological differences with NCP. “Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin was the only issue. That doesn’t exist any more.” He, however, could not specify when the merger would happen. “One day it will happen. I am not a political astrologer,” he said.

But Patel said, “There is not an iota of truth in what is being said. I don’t know what talks are going on in Congress, but within our party no such talks are going on.” The Union minister said such guesses were being made “to create confusion among the people, and the rank and file of NCP”. “Congress tries to demoralise our cadre by making such guesses. They also try to portray that NCP is a party without any ideology and future. But everyone knows it is false,” he said.