Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale has appealed to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar to join the NDA. Athawale said that this is necessary for the development of both the country and Maharashtra.
Athawale said, "Decision of NCP to support Shiv Sena is not going to benefit them. If Sharad Pawar wants to see country's development, that Centre gives more fund for Maharashtra's development, then he should decide to support Narendra Modi & come to NDA."A grand alliance consisting of the BJP, the NCP and the RPI (Athawale's party) can be formed in Maharashtra if Pawar decides to walk over to the NDA camp.
Athawale said, "Sharad Pawar is a senior leader of Maharashtra. He is aware of the problems of farmers, Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs. He has been the agriculture minister of the country. I urge him to join hands with Narendra Modi for the sake of the development of the country. This is my personal wish."