Thursday, June 8 2006 14:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Under attack within the UPA, NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar today brushed aside allegations that he had joined hands with communal forces by supporting Shiv Sena-BJP backed candidate Rahul Bajaj for Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra and said the noted industrialist is known for his contribution to the state.

Besides, Bajaj's family has long been associated with the Congress and his father was a Congress MP thrice, Pawar said at a press conference here, breaking his silence on the controversy.

The Union Agriculture Minister was asked by reporters at the Indian Embassy here about his party's support to Bajaj for the Rajya Sabha and the specific reasons for siding with the BJP and the Shiv Sena instead of the Congress Party's candidate Avinash Pandey.

"I don't know much about Pandey. We decided to support Bajaj because his contribution in my state (Maharashtra) especially in the industrial development, and the automobile industry, is quite high.

"We feel people like him should be there. He is not a party candidate. He is an independent candidate," Pawar said.

About comments within the Congress Party that he has joined hands with communal forces, he said, "I don't know. But you must remember Bajaj's father has been three times Member of Parliament from the Congress party."