Traditionally, the opposition parties hold a joint press conference, but for the first time the two major opposition parties today addressed the media separately.
A letter by Congress leaders Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and Sharad Ranpise to the Legislative Council chairman, demanding that a resolution discussing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's contribution to the country should be discussed on priority basis, seems to have riled the NCP.
The NCP wants discussion on a resolution congratulating its supremo, Sharad Pawar, on completing 50 years of parliamentary career. Both resolutions were to be tabled on a single day during the Budget session, which didn't happen because the opposition boycotted that session halfway through over famrers' issues.
"The NCP wants to work together with other opposition parties. But if they (Congress) are going to take decisions without taking us in confidence, then perhaps they did not need our help and co-operation," said Sunil Tatkare, the state NCP president.
More From This Section
The Congress leaders said they didn't know what made NCP hold a separate press conference.
"One should ask NCP whether it trusts us or not. I do not know the reason for NCP holding a separate press conference....It is for them to answer why they did not attend opposition's meeting," said Vikhe-Patil, who is the Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly.
The opposition parties today also boycotted the customary tea-party given by the government on the eve of session.
Tatkare said his party still won't mind joining hands with Congress in the House. "We were never spoiler (of opposition unity) and we will never be spoiler," he said.