The Nationalist Congress Party, NCP, today asserted that it is a responsible ally and an integral part of the Congress-led UPA government.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi, party leader Praful Patel said, his party is one of the pillars of strength both inside and outside, in the functioning of the UPA.

Dismissing media speculations about alleged rift between the NCP and the Congress, Mr. Patel stated that the NCP is an important ally of the government and will continue to be so: Patel

Mr. Patel said, with less than two years before the next general elections, both the Congress and the NCP need to gear up and focus on the polls.

The NCP leader termed as rubbish the reports and speculation about the NCP Chief Mr Sharad Pawar being denied the second most important position in the government. He said, the issue has been unnecessarily blown out of proportion.

Congress today said that there is absolutely no problem between it and NCP. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, party General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi said NCP has already given clarification on the issue and Prime Minister has also spoken on it. He said that there may be difference of views on several issues among coaliation partners but they are resolved amicably with talking to each other.

In a reply to a question, Mr Dwivedi said that Mr Rahul Gandhi may take over responsibility either in Party or in Government or in both places. But this has to be decided by the top brass of the party.