Presidential poll: Sharad Pawar choice of Opposition camp once again

New Delhi, June 13

Five years after he declined to be the non-NDA candidate for the 2017 presidential elections, Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar, 81, is again leading the race for the Opposition nominee. In 2017, he had pulled out at the last minute after a meeting with PM Narendra Modi. “It is a closed chapter,” he had said.

This time too, Pawar has generated widespread support. While TMC chief Mamata Banerjee has called him up to convey her solidarity, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi had last week sent a message of support through party veteran Mallikarjun Kharge, who met Pawar in Mumbai.

The Shiv Sena has always backed a Maratha for the presidential post, even breaking ranks to support Congress’ Pratibha Patil against NDA’s Bhairon Singh Shekhawat in 2007. Sources said Pawar’s nomination would boost the 2024 General Election prospects nationally and especially in Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats of which 23 are held by the BJP. “The presidential election on July 18 is a precursor to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and a chance for the Opposition to send out a message of unity,” a source said. Pawar’s name is expected to be proposed by Mamata at the June 15 meeting.

Meanwhile, Kharge is yet to take a call on Mamata’s meeting. Sources say names of Farooq Abdullah and HD Deve Gowda may be considered if Pawar declines.