Lok Sabha polls: Pawar sees no anti-UPA wave, says new voters crucial

Mumbai: Denying that a strong anti-UPA wave is sweeping the country, Union Agriculture Minister and NCP President Sharad Pawar on Friday said the political situation is still "unclear" and regional parties as well as new voters will play a crucial role in forming the next government.

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar and Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi. AFP

Talking to reporters after filing his Rajya Sabha nomination papers in Mumbai, Pawar said, "Even though the main contest will be UPA versus NDA (in the Lok Sabha polls), one has to accept the strength of regional parties in their respective states. Their help will be required for formation of the next government."

Similarly, the highlight of this general election will be participation of new voters in large numbers.

"The winning combination will be the beneficiary of the support of new voters," he added.

To a query on possibility of a Third Front government, Pawar said, "it was too early to speak about it".

He expressed confidence that people will vote a strong and stable government in the interest of the country to improve and strengthen economy.

To a question on Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Maharashtra Samajwadi Party President Abu Asim Azmi's statements supporting him for Prime Ministership, Pawar said, "let anybody say anything... I am not available."

He said NCP contests limited number of seats and the party knows its limitations.

When asked about Congress not projecting Rahul Gandhi as its PM candidate, Pawar said the party has never projected anybody as Prime Minister before elections. To a question on whether the Congress refrained from naming Rahul as allies may object, Pawar asked, "why comment on this, when there was no such proposal in the first place."

Scoffing at surveys which predict a UPA rout, Pawar said in 2004, surveys predicted Vajpayee government will be voted back to power on the 'feel good' and 'India shining' slogans.

"(However) Congress-led coalition won the election and continued to be in power for ten years," he added.

PTI