"That (resignation) is his choice because the NCP leadership had already made it clear that he should not contest against the wishes of the party. Having decided that he is going to contest, I think Sangma resigned himself, may be to avoid expulsion from the party," the Union Health Minister told reporters here.
Taking a swipe at opposition NDA over the rift in its ranks over Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Azad said there was "no vacancy" for the post of Prime Minister till 2014.
"I am surprised that everybody there is fighting that who should be the next Prime Minister. But where is the vacancy? The UPA government is going to complete its second term.
"Till two years, Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister. After that election will take place and Congress will again come in power. We will form the government. At the moment, till 2014, there is no vacancy (for the PM's post) and this exercise is totally futile," he said.
Azad and Union Minister of State in the PMO V Narayanasamy were in the city to highlight the ruling United Progressive Alliance's achievements on the occasion of the UPA-II government completing three years in office.
