Cong, NCP hold separate press conferences on session’s eve

Rift in the Opposition camp came to the fore on the eve of Monsoon Session on Sunday, with the NCP and Congress holding separate press conferences.

A letter by Congress leaders Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and Sharad Ranpise to the Legislative Council chairman, demanding that a resolution discussing Indira Gandhi’s contribution should be discussed on priority basis, seems to have riled the NCP.

The NCP wants discussion on a resolution congratulating its supremo, Sharad Pawar, on completing 50 years of parliamentary career. Both resolutions were to be tabled on a single day during the Budget session, which didn't happen because the Opposition boycotted that session halfway through over farmers' issues.

“If the Congress is going to take decisions without taking us in confidence, then perhaps they did not need our help,” said Sunil Tatkare, the state NCP president.

The Congress leaders said they didn't know what made NCP hold a separate press conference. “I do not know the reason for NCP holding a separate press conference,” said VikhePatil, who is Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly.

Both parties said they would try and corner the BJP-led government over farm loan waiver, Samruddhi corridor, Shetye death and alleged scams in Slum Rehabilitation Authority and Home Department.

However, on Sunday evening members of both the parties met to discuss floor management for the Monsoon Session. Vikhe-Patil also made it clear that there was no differences between the Congress and the NCP.