PTI

New Delhi, Jun 9: Under attack from within the UPA, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar on Thursday made a valiant effort to defend his decision of supporting BJP-Shiv Sena candidate Rahul Bajaj’s nomination to Rajya Sabha.

Brushing aside allegations that he had joined hands with communal forces by supporting Bajaj, Pawar said the industrialist is known for his contribution to the state.

Pawar said Bajaj's family had long been associated with the Congress and his father was a Congress MP thrice.

The Union Agriculture Minister has come under severe criticism for siding with the BJP and the Shiv Sena instead of the Congress’ 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," Pawar said, adding, "We feel people like him should be there. He is not a party candidate. He is an independent candidate."