NCP plays down Modi's refusal to allow 12 km gas pipeline

Mumbai, May 3 (UNI) Maharashtra Pradesh Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today sought to play down the issue of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's refusal to allow construction of 12 km gas pipeline near Surat for the Ratnagiri Gas and Power Project Ltd (RGPPL), saying Gujarat's stand should not be construed as a rift between the two neighbouring states.

''Gujarat has some pending issues with the Union Petroleum ministry and perhaps they are demanding that these problems should be resolved first'', party spokesman Madan Bafna told reporters here. ''We are for resolving the issue amicably,'' he said.

When asked about the demonstration organised by NCP MLC Jeetendra Avhad, condemning Mr Modi, Mr Bafna said it was a spontaneous reaction by Avhad and did not have backing of the party.

However, there was no question of taking action against him.

Mr Bafna also denied newspaper reports that Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, who is the NCP president spoke about organising a mass awareness campaign against Mr Modi.

The extended working committee meeting of the state NCP will meet on May 7 and 8 in the city, he said adding that review of the party's performance in the recent ZP, Municipal councils, corporations and panchayat samiti elections and other organisational matters will be discussed.

UNI