NCP backs Ajit, says no threat to coalition govt in Maharashtra

NCP on Tuesday came out in full support of embattled Ajit Pawar, who resigned as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister following allegations of irregularities in clearing irrigation projects, and said there was no threat to the state government it runs in alliance with Congress.

"There is no threat to Maharashtra government," NCP Vice-President Praful Patel told reporters adding the party would not de-stabilise the government.

He said Ajit would continue to be the leader of NCP legislature party in Maharashtra and that no other minister would resign from the state government.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar said he had given "permission" to Ajit to resign from his post.

The Union Agriculture Minister told PTI over phone from Kolkata that Ajit, who is his nephew, had called him yesterday and sought permission to quit from the post.

Ajit had held the portfolios of Finance and Power in the state government headed by Prithviraj Chavan.

Ajit resigned as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister following allegations of irregularities in clearing irrigation projects worth Rs 20,000 crore during his tenure as Water Resources Minister between 1999 and 2009 without clearance of Governing Council of Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation.

Patel alleged there was a big conspiracy to defame NCP not only by the opposition but also by some friendly parties.

Pawar said Ajit told him he was ready to face a probe and confident of coming out clean in the alleged "irrigation scam" during his tenure as Water Resources Minister.

The NCP supremo said Ajit felt it was improper for him to continue in office while allegations against him were being probed.