Pawar lauds Chandra Shekhar's support to his 1978 Maharashtra government

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday credited former prime minister Chandra Shekhar for supporting him in forming Progressive Democratic Front government in Maharashtra in 1978.

Addressing an event at Bharat Yatra Centre in Parandwadi where a bust of late Chandra Shekhar was unveiled, Pawar recalled his association with socialist leader.

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"Chandra Shekhar was always ready to work for people at grassroot level. He never compromised on his principles and I was fortunate that I got opportunity to work with him for several years," he said.

Pawar said that despite having good relations with Indira Gandhi, Chandra Shekhar stood against Emergency and even went to jail.

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"I can't forget when political crisis had taken place in Maharashtra after some differences in Congress (in 1978). state was in need of a stable government and Chandra Shekhar told me that 'you (Pawar) have to take responsibility of government', and extended his party's support to me," four-time chief minister said.

"As he kept his word, I got responsibility to lead state and credit goes to him," Pawar added.