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Would like to have tea with Balasaheb on July 13: Pawar

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Press Trust of India Mumbai

Mukherjee is the UPA candidate and is backed by several parties including JD(U) and Shiv Sena, which are NDA constituents, Pawar told reporters here.

"It is important for the candidate to meet and discuss issues with supporting parties and leaders. We have met CPM and TRS leaders as well," he said, adding that Shiv Sena had supported the UPA nominee for Presidential post in 2007 also.

To a question if he would accompany Mukherjee to Thackeray's residence 'Matoshree', Pawar said, "if Thackeray had time on July 13, he would love to have a cup of tea" with the Sena chief.

 

Asked if Sena leader Manohar Joshi is being considered as a Vice Presidential candidate, Pawar said, there is no proposal from the Sena on Joshi's candidature.

"Congress is the largest party in the UPA and it is the prerogative of the party to discuss probable names with the allies. Congress will take a decision on Vice Presidential candidate," he said.

To a poser, the Union Minister said, he had "no role" to play in Thackeray's decision to support Mukherjee.

On allegations of corruption against NCP minister Sunil Tatkare, Pawar said, "some people have the habit of speaking the extreme and complaining before the media."

"The Konkan Graduates' election to the Legislative Council has proved that educated class does not take such things seriously," he said referring to the NCP candidate's win in the biennial elections.

When asked about the appointment of Mumbai NCP president, he said, it would be done in 2-3 days time.

  

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First Published: Jul 06 2012 | 3:06 PM IST

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