OPPORTUNIST SHARAD

Mr Sharad Pawar is reported to be rethinking his earlier decision of staying away from electoral politics after his party leaders ostensibly insisted he contest in the Lok Sabha polls. The Maratha strongman wants to throw his hat in the ring as a compromise candidate of the anti- BJP front. With an experience of over five decades, he is surely aware that to become prime minister, he need not necessarily be a member of the Lok Sabha. He can enter South Block through the Rajya Sabha route too; or get elected to the Lower House within six months of being sworn in. Arun Malankar

Mumbai