Political parties took a jibe at NCP leader Praful Patel for the statements made by him that NCP president Sharad Pawar will become the Prime Minister in 2019. According to them, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a capable leader and he will definitely lead the country for the second time too. They also added that Pawar even though has the charisma to become the Prime Minister but could not bag the coveted post as he was involved in corruption activities. The NCP leader also is known for shifting loyalties, hence, he has lost confidence of his alliance partners as they have started sidelining him. Pawar also had to pay a heavy price for raking up Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin issue as he was ousted from the party. Even though Pawar went on to form the NCP but his party has always offered support to Congress for running the government. Pawar nonetheless could not fulfil his dream of becoming the Prime Minister of the country.
Atul Bhatkhalkar, BJP MLA and spokesperson said, “I don’t know whether I should laugh at the statements made by Praful Patel. Patel is only trying to shield his name in the Air India aircraft purchase scam, hence, he is issuing such statements. Sharad Pawar will never become Prime Minister of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain the post for second term too.”
D.P. Tripathi, NCP Rajya Sabha MP said, “I have not heard about any statement about Pawar becoming Prime Minister. I want to ask Praful Patel what is his motive behind issuing this statement. Our party will have to do too much work and preparation ahead of election. It is not an easy task to become Prime Minister and I want to ask him how this is possible.”
Arvind Sawant, Shiv Sena MP said, “Bal Thackeray had said that Sharad Pawar is capable of becoming Prime Minister as he possesses immense knowledge in agriculture, port and economy. However, he missed the bus due to corruption and corrupt policy. BJP had protested against Ajit Pawar and Sunil Tatkare for their involvement in corruption activities and if a leader like Pawar becomes PM then it is unjustified. Sharad Pawar is known for shifting loyalties and corruption, hence, he has not been able to become prime minister.”
Praful Patel had made statements about Pawar at a function held in Karjat. Patel claimed that year 2019 will belong to NCP and Pawar. He also hinted at offering support to Congress. Patel added that even though NCP and Congress might have difference of opinion over various issues but both parties are keen to work with each other for the nation’s development. Patel criticised the Modi government for its failure to provide good governance.
