Pawar mounts attack on BJP

Mounting a scathing attack on BJP, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday accused the erstwhile partner of ruling BJD in Orissa of "trying to spread disharmony by using the government" in the state.

"Communal forces wanted to use the state government to pursue their nefarious designs in Orissa which was known for peace and harmony," Pawar said, addressing election meetings at Chandikhole, Languleswar and Bhandaripokhari in Orissa along with BJD chief Naveen Patnaik.

"BJP wanted to take the state in a wrong direction, but chief minister Naveen Patnaik took a bold step to maintain peace and harmony," he said, apparently referring to the BJD chief's decision to sever the 11-year-long alliance with BJP.

The Maratha strongman described Naveen's decision to snap ties with BJP as a "right step taken at the right time".

The Union agriculture minister said he was contemplating an understanding with BJD in Orissa and it could happen after the regional outfit broke the alliance with the saffron party.

Hitting out at Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi for communal riots in his state in past, Pawar said the saffron leader's visit to Orissa should be watched with vigil.

Hailing Naveen Patnaik as a popular and honest chief minister, he said the BJD chieh was sincerely working to remove poverty in Orissa and develop it.