The tussle for No 2 position in UPA-II has put the spotlight on the political careers of A.K. Antony and Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar, which show striking similarities.

Even while the Centre appears keen to push through the Food Security Bill with some key changes, Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar is learnt to have raised questions about the viability of the s

Crisis managers in the Congress tried to keep ally NCP in good humour on Friday, a day after NCP chief Sharad Pawar and NCP leader and heavy industries minister Praful Patel sent their resignations to

NCP, which pulled out of the UPA government in protest against the way the party was treated by Congress, on Saturday said it will remain an ally of the ruling coalition.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Saturday said all members of the Union Cabinet are equal, comments that come in the midst of a stand off between NCP and Congress on issues including the Number 2 slot to Sharad Pawar.

NCP on Saturday said it would remain a partner in the ruling UPA coalition but flagged displeasure over its views not being considered in the government and 'lack of coordination' with the Congress both at the Centre and in Maharashtra where they share power.

NCP has decided to pull out of the UPA government and support it from outside in protest against the way the party was treated by Congress, creating fresh trouble for the ruling coalition.

Party supr

Sharad Pawar on Thursday night declined to comment on reports that he and his NCP colleague Praful Patel had sent in their resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to convey their unhappiness over

Union ministers Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel are said to have offered to quit from the Cabinet to protest the “Big Brother” attitude of the Congress.

Sulking NCP leader Sharad Pawar, who is believed to have resigned from the Union Cabinet aggrieved over a variety of issues, on Friday met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.