Apr 13 2008
NCP is ready to support Sonia, Rahul as PM after 2009 polls!
Sharad Pawar-led NCP, the biggest party in the ruling Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government is ready to support Congress president Sonia Gandhi or her son Rahul for the post of Prime Minister in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
“Congress is the biggest party in the UPA. There is no question of NCP, DMK or RJD or any other party coming close to their numbers and if tomorrow Congress decides to nominate Mrs Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi, it’s not a question for NCP to decide,” NCP general secretary Praful Patel said.
Patel, the Civil Aviation Minister told that Gandhi is given a letter of support from prime minister ship four years back. There is no issue to discuss the choice for the post as Gandhi’s name is already consulted by the party.
Pawar, Union Food and Agriculture Minister, had suggested that the next Lok Sabha polls be fought under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Asked whether his party would support Rahul Gandhi if he is in a position to be nominated as the leader of the next government, Patel said, “If the UPA comes with a majority and if the Congress party so chooses, what the question is? Why is this being debated?”
Against the unfavorable remarks of party colleague D P Tripathi’s against Sonia Gandhi, Patel said that she has been very generous and she has not shown any meanness to the party.
