Pawar favours DIC(K)'s merger with NCP; to ascertain LDF's view

Dehra Dun, Sep 16 (UNI) Indicating that he was favourably disposed towards the idea of the Democratic Indira Congress'(Karunakaran) merger with his party, Union Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar today said he would like to consult the Left Democratic Front in Kerala to ascertain their views on the matter before taking a final decision.

''In view of the LDF having certain objections to the merger and the NCP being a part of the LDF Government in Kerala, it is our responsibility to know their views,'' he said addressing a press conference ahead of the commencement of the two-day National Convention of the NCP here.

Mr Pawar said he had discussions with former Kerala Chief Minister K Karunakaran on the issue. ''By and large we are agreeable to the idea of merger. But the Left Front had to be consulted in this regard as we had contested the last elections jointly,'' he added.

It would take a week's time to take a final decision on the merger of the two parties when he would hold discussions with the Left Front after the conclusion of the NCP National Convention, he said, replying to a question.

Asked whether he would also consult the Congress in this regard, Mr Pawar ruled out the possibility, saying he saw no hitch from the Congress side to the proposed move. The proposed merger would have no impact on the UPA Government, but it would certainly play an important role in state politics, he added.

MORE UNI YS PA VV1734 ,