The Maharashtra government should have no hesitation in taking advice from an "experienced" Sharad Pawar in tackling drought, the Shiv Sena today said, but at the same time it criticised the NCP chief for "not using his position" as agriculture minister for betterment of farmers.


The party, which is part of the ruling coalition in the state, said that there should be no politics over the critical issue of drought.


"Sharad Pawar is an extremely experienced man. He is once again out on a tour of drought affected regions to take a stock of farmers affected by the natural calamity. The government should have no qualms about taking guidance from him," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.


The party, however, hit out at other NCP leaders, saying they are "in the habit of playing politics over the drought conditions. "They will shout and say the government took guidance from Pawar. Politics should not be played over the issue and Pawar should be the first person to realise this," it said.