Patch-up after row, Kalmadi says all’s well

‘‘All’s fine now,’’ Kalmadi said. ‘‘Mankar has taken back his resignation. He will continue as senior vice-president. (Abhay) Chhajed remains the city unit chief.’’

As to Mankar’s allegations, Kalmadi said it was an ‘‘angry outburst.’’ Rubbishing reports that central party observer P. Kurien had prohibited Chhajed from functioning as city president, Kalmadi said: ‘‘There is no such order. Some people met Kurien and made a representation.’’

Attempts at a rapprochement with Mankar and his supporters began earlier in the day when the city Congress committee, with Chhajed presiding, met. Kalmadi was also there to settle ruffled feathers.

The meeting also brought up the issue of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)’s newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Vasant Chavan statements favouring the NCP’s tie-up with the BJP in civic politics. Congress deputy leader in Pune Municipal Corporation Sangeeta Deokar moved a resolution condemning the statement that was unanimously passed by the members.

‘‘This (NCP’s empathy for BJP) is not new,’’ was Kalmadi’s reaction — the recent standing committee polls where the NCP found support in the BJP was still afresh.

‘‘He (Chavan) has to seek a second term in the Rajya Sabha, 10 months hence. Chavan is bound to speak what his leaders want him to,’’ Kalmadi said. And who was the leader? Kalmadi merely quipped ‘‘Junior’’.

‘‘Chavan got elected with Congress’ backing, but the understanding is not reflected in his statements,’’ Kalmadi said.