Mumbai, Jan 11 (UNI): NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday announced that his party will contest the polls scheduled for Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Manipur.
Speaking to media persons here, the veteran politician said, “The people of Uttar Pradesh want change in state power.”
Pawar condemned the UP CM’s statement that 80% of UP is with BJP while the rest are against the saffron party.
“This is an unfortunate statement which is not good for the democracy,” he remarked, asserting that there is anti-incumbency wave in Goa too.
He said, “In regards to Goa, discussion is going on with Trinamool Congress and the final decision will be taken in next two days. While, the NCP is going to contest on five seats in Manipur.”
In a pre-poll boost to the NCP, former UP MLC and Congress minority community cell head Siraj Mehandi on Tuesday switched allegiance to Pawar’s party.
While it’s being speculated that Mehandi’s supporters are set to follow suit shortly.
When asked about the PM’s security breach incident, he reacted, “The PM’s security is a very serious issue and its responsibility is upon the Centre as well as state government.”
Regarding the MSRTC strike, he said, “I have appealed to the employees to call off the strike. But they are firm on their demands and it is their prerogative.”
When asked if he is interfering in the decisions of the state government, he calmly replied, “All the decisions were being taken by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. I was just giving suggestion due to his unsound health.”
