India, June 1 -- Senior NCP leaders, who seemed cornered until recently as the new leadership tried to take control of the party, seem to be having the last laugh, as there is unease among party ministers and legislators about the way the new leadership is handling affairs, especially collecting funds for the party.

According to insiders, NCP ministers have been told to contribute to the vastly depleted party coffers, with 'suggestions' also given on how to collect funds. One such suggestion was allegedly made to a senior minister, who was asked to give a transportation contract to a specific contractor-the report was denied by the minister but became the talk of the town.

Another suggestion was for a member of the legislative council t...