Pawar says he is not in the race for President post

NAGPUR: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday claimed that he was not in the race for the post of President but was hopeful that the ruling BJP takes the Opposition into confidence and finds consensus to select a candidate.

Pawar, who was here to attend the birthday celebration of union minister for Transport and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari, pointed out that elections of posts like the President should be avoided. It is for the ruling party to facilitate the common candidate, he said.

While he evaded comment on reports suggesting he could be the united candidate, the pitch for consensus may keep his chances alive since it is well known that Pawar has a good rapport with PM Narendra Modi and has friends in all parties.

The NCP chief admitted that the Opposition had failed to inspire people and said this is why the BJP was doing better.

“People want a better alternative and it is a fact that the name projected by the Congress is no match to Modi,” said Pawar.

However, he was hopeful that simmering public anger over unfulfilled promises by the Modi government may snowball soon leading to change of rulers.

In another question, he expressed concern over the Kashmir situation since the causalities of security personnel as well as civilians was raising rapidly. He also criticised the union government for the new rule to regulate cattle sale. The new rule would be more burden on crisis ridden farmers in the country, he said.