New Delhi, Jul 20: Dismissing all news of resignation as rumours, senior NCP leader and Heavy Industries Minister Praful Patel stated that NCP is a responsible ally of both UPA-1 and UPA-2. On the news of Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel quitting the cabinet, he said, “Some sections of people in the Congress party have been fuelling unnecessary speculation and are wrongly briefing the media.”

But not ruling out matters of difference, Patel said, “NCP has some serious issues about functioning of Govt.”

Putting up a united front, Patel in clear terms said that there have been some political issues in the recent past and added, “NCP has communicated certain views to the government and things have not been resolved.”

On the No. 2 position that has been apparently denied to Sharad Pawar, Patel commented, “Issue of number two is being blown out of proportion. Pawar is not such a petty leader to raise such a petty issue and he deserves No. 2 position.”

On the timing of highlighting the matter, Patel stated, “We did not want to raise our issues before the Presidential poll, as we are a responsible ally.”

Reiterating their whole hearted backing to the UPA, Patel said, “PM had met Sharad Pawar last night; NCP will continue to be part and parcel of UPA. Our party will meet again on Monday to discuss our issues, we will communicate our decision after that meeting.”