Congress will resolve differences with NCP: Rajiv Shukla

Mathura -  Congress leader Rajiv Shukla on Saturday said that his party would resolve differences with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

"If there was any differences, party will resolve it. I am sure it will be effectively resolved," Shukla said. 

"Sometimes, mistakes do happen. We shouldn't give too much importance to it," he said.

In a bid to resolve the stand-off, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had on Friday reached out to his sulking coalition partner, and called NCP chief Sharad Pawar a "very valued colleague."

"Mr Sharad Pawar is a very valued colleague of mine whose knowledge, wisdom and experience are a great asset to our government. His party NCP is an important ally of the ruling UPA coalition led by Congress," Dr. Singh said.

Prime Minister's remarks came hours after the NCP chief Sharad Pawar met Congress president Sonia Gandhi on issues related to the UPA government's functioning

However, the NCP leader later maintained that his party will not quit the ruling coalition despite having some issues which needed to be resolved.

Speaking to mediapersons in New Delhi, Heavy Industries Minister and Pawar's lieutenant Praful Patel said that the NCP has been a pillar of strength both inside the government and outside in the functioning of UPA.

Patel said that though Sharad Pawar never personally raised the issue of his position in the cabinet, but by virtue of his stature he deserves the position of No 2 in the Union Cabinet.

Patel also blamed certain sections within Congress for unnecessarily fueling speculations about rift between the two coalition partners.

Patel said that his party would also prepare in a responsible manner for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections along with the UPA, but added that some sections inside the Congress were fuelling unnecessary speculation.

Patel further said the issue over the number two slot in the UPA has been blown out of proportion.