Jawdekar told a news conference that the NCP and the Congress are hand in hand in the state as well as Centre. Though the BJP and the NCP share power in the Pune Municipal Corporation, NCP will continue to oppose BJP, he said.

With his party to begin shortlisting candidates by the month-end, Jawdekar said the BJP had every chance to come to power under the leadership of L K Advani.

Jawdekar criticised External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee for his statement that India was ready to accept a “fair trial” of the Mumbai terror suspects in Pakistan. “It is surprising that India failed to garner world support while Pakistan has succeeded in convincing the world of their stand.”

He said that the UPA government should convene an all-party meet to address the issue. “We had extended all our support to the government to tackle terror but their party members are making sweeping statements and thereby politicising the issue.”