Sharad Pawar backing Jayant Patil for CM post irks Uddhav Sena, Congress

At a party rally at Islampur in  Sangli district on Wednesday, Pawar heaped praises on Jayant Patil’s leadership qualities while stating that he had full faith in his capabilities. ”I have full confidence that Patil will take the state in the right direction,” he said.

Pawar’s remarks came after Jayant Patil addressed the rally. As Patil got up to speak, the crowd cheered him as the future CM. However, Patil berated them, saying, ”One can’t just become a chief minister by doing sit ups.”

Raut said Sharad Pawar does not give any indication. ”Sometime ago, he had suggested the name of Rohit Pawar for an important role in the party. However, one party cannot have two chief ministers. Supriya Sule’s name is always discussed for CM post. Even Jitendra Ahwad’s name is also floated. However, five-six persons cannot become Chief Minister,” he said.

Raut said it is the Uddhav Sena which, for the past two months, has been demanding that the Maha Vikas Aghadi should name a chief ministerial candidate, a demand which both Congress and Sharad Pawar’s party have shot down repeatedly. Uddhav Thackeray had even met top Congress leadership but they too refuse to pay attention to his demand.

Congress leader Nitin Raut said there is no question of putting forward anyone’s name for the CM post. ”Sharad Pawar has said that Jayant Patil has the credentials to become the Chief Minister. Every party speaks about its leaders in this manner. But finally Congress leadership will take the decision,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar on Thursday said the issue of Chief Ministerial post has ended. ”This issue has ended for us. When we held a press conference, we had clarified the issue. Both Uddhav Thackeray and I were present at this conference,” he said.

“There is no meaning in discussing the issue of Chief Minister’s post. Let the election results come, we will then speak about it,” said Pawar.

When asked about his statement on Jayant Patil, Pawar said,”Jayant Patil is taking the decision regarding seat-sharing. He has been entrusted with a big responsibility.”