NCP finds itself isolated after boycotting meet

Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) may not gain anything by boycotting the Opposition’s strategy meeting on Sunday ahead of the upcoming monsoon Assembly session on Monday, said sources within the party. There is a buzz that it may help the ruling parties as the NCP stands isolated in the Opposition camp.

According to sources, the NCP has decided to boycott the meet over the issue of introducing a resolution in the Assembly to congratulate NCP chief Sharad Pawar on completion of 50 years in public life. Congress group leader in council, Sharad Ranpise has reportedly written a letter to the Council chairman Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar, demanding a resolution on late PM Indira Gandhi before a resolution on Mr Pawar.

The NCP state leadership was upset over Congress’ stand and decided to boycott opposition’s strategy meeting, which took place at Opposition leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil’s bungalow.

The NCP had extended support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form the government in 2014. Hence, the NCP’s move to boycott the opposition’s strategy meet has triggered a buzz that the party is covertly supporting the BJP again.

The state government could be cornered over various issues including farm loan waiver. Other issues such as SRA projects inquiries and jail security are likely to be raised by the opposition.

“We are not spoilers. The party is fighting against the government on the road, and we will also do it on the floor of the Assembly,” said state NCP head Sunil Tatkare.