Congress-NCP relationship likely to mend after PM, Pawar meet

The rift between Congress Party and National Congress Party (NCP) is likely to solve now as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after the meeting with NCP President Sharad Pawar and senior party leader Praful Patel, praised NCP for its support in Presidential election while NCP Chief said, 'NCP was unhappy with Congress party but not quitting the coalition.'

'NCP is a great asset to United Progressive alliance and Sharad Pawar is a very valued colleague whose knowledge, wisdom and experience are a great asset to our government,' said Manmohan Singh.

NCP leader and Minister of heavy industry and public enterprises Praful Patel after the meet said to media that NCP was unhappy with some aspects which party president had raised with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

"Till such time we have not formally resigned, there is no question of resigning," said Patel by adding that NCP would continue to be an integral part of the UPA.

According to sources, the rift was over the number two slot as earlier no.2 Pranab Mukherjee has gone for presidential election and government is looking for a suitable candidate to set on no.2.

NCP argues that as per seniority Pawar should have been made number two. On this congress argued that NCP has only nine MPs while Congress is the largest constituent of the UPA and hence could choose the number two.

Congress elected Defence Minister AK Antony for no.2 slot, which upsets the NCP.

--With IANS Inputs--