Some speculation about certain positions Mr Pawar holds in the government
NCP has been one of the most responsible allies of the UPA in the last 8 years or so and has been a pillar of strength both inside the government and outside in the functioning of UPA govt.
There have been some political issues between NCP and Congress over the years
We are entering the last two years before the next general elections, and it is time that we as a political party must along with the UPA gear up for the next round of elections in 2014.
Government must also be more decisive, more committed to issues which are before the people of the country and with the presence of Mr Pawar, a leader of tall stature, and the UPA alongwith the able leadership of the PM will be able to successfully deal with these issues.
Mr Pawar sent a communication to the PM raising some of these issues- unfortunately there has been speculation over the communication. I'm very pained that there are some sections in the Congress party that have been wrongly briefing the media.
They are trying to drive a wedge between two old alliance partners
The PM on receiving Mr Pawar's communication spoke to him yesterday. This morning Mrs Sonia Gandhi invited Mr Pawar for a chat.
Our party has been discussing issues within for some time. We waited for the Presidential elections to get over as a responsible ally.
This is not about the Number 2 position in government. Despite not having numbers, Mr Pawar sits next to Mrs Sonia Gandhi in Parliament.
Mr Pawar brings much more to the table than sitting somewhere
Mr Pawar is not so petty as to make this an issue for continuing in government
Our issues are about the functioning of the UPA and the larger coalition
We are unhappy with some aspects which Mr Pawar has raised with Mrs Sonia Gandhi and the PM
Our party will meet again on Monday to discuss our issues
We will communicate our decision after the Monday meeting