On being reminded of Congress MP Suresh Kalmadi’s threat that the Congress will fight the polls alone, he said. “Does he have the power to decide it?”

“The NCP is in favour of allying with the secular parties,” he said, adding that the decision on the alliance in the PMC will be taken as per the directions of the NCP chief.

Many Independent legislators are in touch with the NCP for the Assembly polls, but the final decision of any alliance with them will take place during seat sharing talks, he said.

Taking a swipe at Opposition parties, Pawar said they were trying to take advantage of a possible drought-like situation in the region but the rains have drowned their plans.