"We welcome JD(U) to separate from BJP and join secular forces," NCP leader D P Tripathi said, talking to reporters here after a meeting of the state NCP, at which party supremo Sharad Pawar was present.
Asked whether he meant UPA or the 'federal front' by secular forces, Tripathi said, "Yes, UPA coalition...We are part of the UPA. We are not with any front. We are with UPA."
Earlier, addressing the party workers, Pawar said the UPA government had made progress on a lot of fronts in the last nine years.
"However, in politics, if those who have the responsibility of governing the country don't have enough numbers in Parliament, its repercussions are felt in governance. The world's view of looking at us changes.
"Unfortunately, TMC and DMK, our two allies, went away. When there are discussions of elections being held anytime, the administrative machinery slows down as far as taking decisions and implementing them is concerned," Pawar said.