Three days ago, Kalmadi had said that Congress was ready to support the NCP candidate for the standing committee post. Kalmadi had alleged that the ruling NCP in PMC was “strengthening” the Shiv Sena and BJP in the city by joining hands with the saffron parties. Following this, the city Congress chief Abhay Chhajed had even sent a letter to NCP leaders, urging them to join hands. The election is going to be held on march 5 at the PMC headquarters.

Then, the District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday clarified his party’s stand of not entering into wedlock with the Congress for the panel post.

He said NCP was going to keep its promise given to the Shiv Sena.

After filing the nominations, Congress corporator Aba Bagul termed NCP’s move as “circus for befriending the saffron parties.” “NCP’s decision of supporting the Shiv Sena candidate will prove detrimental for the development of the city. Turning down Congress’ offer shows how narrow-minded the NCP is. The NCP-Sena alliance has till now spent only 16 per cent of the budget amount, which shows their apathy towards development,” he said.

NCP leader Anil Bhosale said, “The NCP had decided to support any Shiv Sena candidate. The NCP and Sena will work together for the development of the city and to solve the problems related to traffic, water supply and electricity in the city.”