'NCP continues to be an integral part of UPA': Praful Patel

New Delhi, July 23 (ANI): Heavy Industries Minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar's lieutenant Praful Patel on Monday reiterated that his party continues to be an integral part of the UPA.

"We continue to be an integral part of the UPA. We are supporting the UPA as a core constituent. We are pre-poll ally, we are not a supporting party post election. We are a part, which has been part and parcel of the UPA-1, has been a part and parcel of UPA-2 from the very first day," Patel told mediapersons after a crucial meeting of the Nationalist Congress Party here.

"We are not post-poll allies and therefore we continue to support this government and this UPA till the very end," he added.

Patel said the discussions Sharad Pawar had with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi last week would be discussed within the NCP before taking a final call, and added that the meeting held today was a follow up.

"After the communication, there was a meeting with both the Prime Minister and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. As a consequence of that discussion, it was felt that whatever they have stated or whatever they have brought up in their discussion with Sharad Pawar should be discussed in the party before we take a final decision. The meeting today was a follow up," said Patel.

"Unfortunately, our colleagues from Maharashtra whom we wanted very much to be part of this discussion were not available. Though we know their views, we met them in Mumbai on Saturday; but we feel that before we take a final decision they must be taken on board," he added.

Patel further said the NCP leaders would again meet tomorrow in this regard.

"And that is why, we have decided to hold another meeting, likely tomorrow, and no later than day after," he said.

Patel also reiterated that some sections inside the Congress were fuelling unnecessary speculation.

The NCP had last week indicated that it may pull out of the UPA Government and support it from outside in protest against the way the party was treated in the ruling coalition. (ANI)