NCP legislator attacks party at media meet

The Nationalist Congress Party was, on Tuesday, embarrassed by its own legislator.

The Nationalist Congress Party was, on Tuesday, embarrassed by its own legislator.

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NCP legislator Ram Pandagale on Tuesday took his party leaders by surprise by publicly attacking the party top brass over corruption.

Pandagale, who hails from Mumbai, told the media that NCP chief Sharad Pawar was shielding his nephew Ajit who was facing allegations of corruption in irrigation scam.

“The NCP is now resembling a corruption party and not a political party. I am not scared of any action, they can throw me out,” Pandagale told the media.

He also criticised Ajit Pawar's decision to allot land to Gadkari in Nagpur, saying it was farmer's land and not privately owned land in Baramati. The NCP sought to play down Pandagale’s outburst.

“Pandagale was head of the party's Scheduled Caste cell for 12 years. He is now unhappy because he was replaced by someone else.

He should first resign from the membership of the Legislative Council that the party has given him and then speak against NCP leaders,” said NCP spokesman Nawab Malik.

He said the party would decide what action could be taken against him. Sources in the party said Pandagale may join the Congress or the Shiv Sena soon.