NCP downplays Shalinitai Patil's anti-quota remarks

Mumbai, May 18 (UNI) The NCP today chose to downplay its senior leader Shalinitai Patil's anti-quota remarks.

When asked about Ms Patil's comments made in Satara recently, party spokesman Dr Ratnakar Mahajan said NCP's views on reservations to backward classes were well known.

''The views aired by Ms Patil may be her personal opinion. But, there is unwritten code in all political parties to refrain from airing personal views on important issues. All are expected to adhere to the code'', he said.

Replying to another question, Dr Mahajan said rebel party activist Umesh Shete, who was contesting the Konkan local bodies elections to the legislative council scheduled for May 26, has written to the state leadership withdrawing his candidature.

''If his assurance is found to be false,appropriate action would be taken against him'', he added.

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