NCP steers clear on inclusion of SP in UPA

NEW DELHI: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today steered clear on the issue of inclusion of Samajwadi Party in the next United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Union Minister Praful Patel told reporters that the NCP has a view that it is for the Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and all leaders of the UPA to take appropriate decision in the larger interests of the coalition.

Patel said NCP Chief Sharad Pawar today telephoned Gandhi as also Singh to congratulate them on the election victory and assured them that his party was ready to cooperate in the formation of the government without any condition.

The Minister was replying to the question whether party's like Samajwadi Party should be included in the UPA to broaden the ruling alliance and whether they should be given representations in the cabinet.

Patel said that Pawar had a meeting with Gandhi three days back during which both the leaders discussed the post poll scenario.