Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar today put an end to all speculation about leading the opposition alliance, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), and said he would help bring the parties together to fight the BJP. do. In 2024 but will not lead the anti-BJP faction.
“Recently, some young workers of our party (NCP) passed a resolution asking me to become the president of the UPA. But I am not interested in that post at all. I’m not going to fall into it. I will not take that responsibility,” the former Union minister said.
Along with this, Sharad Pawar also clarified, “If there is an attempt to give an alternative (to the BJP), I am ready to cooperate, support and strengthen the block.”
For some time now, there has been a growing demand for Sharad Pawar to be made the President of the UPA, with Shiv Sena’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut supporting the call. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a meeting with Sharad Pawar, had reportedly said that he should come forward to lead the UPA, as he is a senior leader who has the most ears.
Also read: | NCP chief Sharad Pawar said on AIMIM’s offer of alliance, not our party’s decision
The Bengal chief minister also met chief ministers of non-BJP states and discussed the formation of a grand alliance against the BJP. He had floated the idea of parties coming together to fight the BJP and without directly naming Pawar, hinted that the former Union minister should be at the top.
As soon as the Shiv Sena and Congress – polar opposites – were successfully brought into alliance in Maharashtra, people started looking towards Pawar. Many were already casting doubts on the ability of the Congress to lead, with talks that Sonia Gandhi may be the UPA president but the UPA has ceased to exist.
Also read: | After meeting Sharad Pawar, Mamta Banerjee said- ‘There is no UPA now’
According to the veteran politician, if an opposition front is formed, it cannot oust the Congress. You will find Congress workers in every village, district and state of the country. The reality is that Congress, which has a wide presence, should be included on the board, providing an alternative (to the BJP),” he said.
On the role of the old party in running a front against the BJP, Pawar said the Congress has a pan-India presence even though it is not in power.
Underlining the need for a strong opposition in the country, Pawar said, “If only one party is strong, it will become like Putin.” He and the Chinese president have vowed to lead their countries until they die. I hope India will never have Putin.”
(with inputs from PTI)
Also read: | The changing scenario of the opposition: Will the never bankable Third Front emerge as a stronger Second Front?