MUMBAI: The NCP claimed credit for the food security law and backed reservation for Muslims and Marathas without affecting benefits accruing to other backward sections in its manifesto released online on Monday.Significantly, after the creation of Telangana, the NCP appears to favour new states. It said would back a demand for a new state if it was found economically viable.President Sharad Pawar took full credit for Congress president Sonia Gandhi ’s dream project of providing subsidized foodgrain at affordable prices to targeted sections of the population. Relentless persistence of Pawar’s agriculture ministry and the NCP led to the food security Act, the party claimed. In June 2013, Pawar had voiced apprehension that huge concessions on foodgrain could endanger food security and harm the interests of farmers.NCP said it was in favour of job reservations for Muslim candidates in a time-bound period. “…NCP is committed to work in the direction of promoting the backward class minorities. The introduction of 27% reservation for OBCs in all institutions of higher education will provide equal opportunities in the field of education,” it said on the Sachar panel recommendations.It also sought reservation for Marathas in education, job and government services, but promised to ensure it would not have an adverse effect on the facilities provided to SC/STs, OBCs and other sections of the society.The NCP assured it was committed to a clean, transparent and corruption-free administration and proposed steps requiring public officials to make declarations regarding their employment investments, assets and substantial gifts.It also promised steps to assist small businesses and create private sector jobs, but was not in favour of a uniform civil code.