Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi on Saturday claimed that Nationalist Congress Party [NCP] chief Sharad Pawar had agreed for an alliance with his party for the 2009 Assembly elections in Maharashtra however it did not end up fruitful.

“Uddhavji [Shiv Sena President] directed me to talk with Sharad Pawar and I did. But Mr. Pawar backed out and did not cite any reasons,” added Joshi. But Joshi did not recollect who initiated this alliance and why they were successful.

Reacting to Mr Joshi's remarks, NCP lashed out the allegations. “Mr. Joshi's claims are absolutely baseless, NCP will never be part of NDA or Communal forces. Mr. Joshi is trying to influence people for votes,” added an NCP leader.

BJP leader Gopinath Munde added that "we spoke to Uddhav and other allies in Maharashtra, we will not allow NCP and Sharad Pawar to join NDA at any cost. "

(AW: Vamshi)