Shiv Sena leader and the former Lok Sabha speaker Manohar Joshi on Wednesday reteirated that union agriculture minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar has abilities and capabilities to become the Prime Minister provided he joins the National Democratic Aliiance (NDA). "Sharad Pawar has unique skills and abilities to bring together different groups and parties from the opposition in particular if he joins NDA. He has immense potential and experience to hold the Prime Minister's post. It will be a proud moment if a Marathi Manoos makes to the post of Prime Minister." he noted.
Joshi had recently made suggestion int his regard but it was strongly rejected by NCP. Joshi's fresh proposal comes today when Sharad Pawar turns 72. By raising the issue yet again Joshi has tried to reach out to Pawar in a bid to increase the number of NDA allies and thereby further step up ongoing efforts to provide an effective alternative against Congress ahead of 2014 parliamentary elections.
However, NCP has yet again rejected Joshi's proposal. NCP spokesman Nawab Malik told Business Standard,"There is no question of Pawar joining NDA. Pawar and NCP have already proven their secular credentials while some of the constituents of BJP led NDA are communal forces. NCP is not power hungry but is committed to ideology and certain ideals." He informed that the neither Pawar nor his party would ever take a call of joining NDA to remain in power.
NCP minister, who did not want to be identified, recalled that Pawar has already announced that NCP would continue to remain with the UPA and in Maharashtra it's 13 year old alliance with Congress would be in place. Pawar has also indicated that NCP and Congress would together contest next parliamentary and assembly elections slated for 2014. This was also shared by chief minister Prithviraj Chavan.
