NCP calls for more coordination, says no ultimatum to Congress

New Delhi, July 25 (ANI): Heavy Industries Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar's lieutenant Praful Patel on Wednesday rubbished reports that his political outfit has given an ultimatum to the ruling Congress Party.

Patel said that the current issue can certainly be resolved through dialogue.

"The current issue can certainly be resolved through dialogue. And some reports about ultimatum, which is too harsh a word. We have raised some issues, which are being spelt out over the last few days. The main issue resolves around coordination in Delhi as well as in Mumbai," said Patel.

"And I am sure that whatever issues which we have raised; and in the meetings with Mrs. Gandhi and Dr. Manmohan Singh, Sharad Pawarji has mentioned what are the issues which are of contention as far as the larger functioning both at the Centre and in the state. But to say that there is an ultimatum is absolutely wrong. If there is a dialogue and if these issues are discussed, I am sure a way can be found," he added.

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

The NCP has cited lack of coordination and the Congress not taking its alliance partners into confidence.

According to reports, the NCP is not happy with Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and wants a leadership change in the state.

The NCP, which 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, also skipped the Prime Minister's farewell dinner for outgoing President Pratibha Patil, in an apparent hardening of its stance. (ANI)