The NCP was formed in 1999, when a split took place in the Congress Party. Its aims are almost the same as those of the parent body. They also support the cause of democracy,Gandhian secularism, equality, social justice and federalism. But they want that high offices in government should be held only by natural born citizens of India. Sharad Pawar, P.A. Sangma and Tariq Anwar, members of the Congress Party, objected to a person of foreign origin becoming the Prime Minister of India and formed this new party. It has the biggest support in Maharashtra and important presence in Meghalaya, Manipur and Assam. It is acoalition partner in Maharashtra, in alliance with the Congress. Since 2004, it remained a member of the United Progressive Alliance. (UPA).