Six regional parties could decide next PM,says Sharad Pawar

“In coalition politics,the PM candidate should be such,who has acceptability among regional parties. And here,my view is that the important factors post-Lok Sabha elections will be Mamata,Naveen,Mulayam Singh,Mayawati,Nitish and Jayalalithaa,” Pawar said.

“They will get some definite numbers post election. On their own,they may not be able to reach that magic figure,but without their support nobody will be able to reach that magic figure. Now,think who will support whom,” Pawar said,refusing to elaborate.

He was also sceptical about Modi’s political fortunes at the Centre,and at the same time,steered clear of endorsing Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi as the UPA’s PM nominee.

On Modi,Pawar said: “You see,my observation in Indian politics is that if anyone tries to project himself too early,he invites trouble and I think BJP and Narendra Modi have started their projection too early and with a definite position. I don’t know what will happen. My experience,my previous observation,is not very good.”

As for Rahul Gandhi,the widely experienced Maratha strongman said he had seen too little of the Gandhi-Nehru scion to arrive at any definite judgement about his capabilities,although he pointed out that by virtue of his family background,the Congress vice-president does get better political access.

“I have no personal knowledge about his abilities. But from the family background he comes,he definitely gets comparatively better knowledge and assessments of various situations. But I have had no association or knowledge.”

Pawar,however,made it clear that his party will remain with the Congress. “We are with Congress and will remain with Congress. Whatever the UPA line,will be our line.”

When asked about the possibility of him emerging as a PM candidate for a third front coalition,Pawar said he was just looking to sit back for the moment. “After working so many years,as I told you after 46 years of contesting direct elections,28 years of minister here and there,I think I have had enough. Now let me enjoy my life.”

He reiterated he would not contest the next Lok Sabha polls and would opt for the upper house. “I will come to Rajya Sabha,I am not leaving Parliament. After getting elected through direct elections for 46 years without a break,now I feel this is the time to go to the house of elders.”