Minister from UPA government and former Sharad Pawar loyalist Praful Patel on Tuesday questioned chances of Opposition winning in general elections next year as the Opposition posses no “central party” that will fetch them 150 seats. Mr Patel has joined the rebel factions led by Ajit Pawar.
“Unless you have a big party — do you find any party that will get 150 seats next time? Of course, nothing is impossible in politics but I’m just saying by a reasonable yardstick you measure, no party is going to have 150 seats. And if you don’t have 150 seats, a central party, then you can’t form a coalition around that number,” said Mr Patel.
“Then there is the question of acceptability. Who will be the leader? There are so many parties who will not accept another party’s leader,” he further said.
Meanwhile, the leaders who have remained under the Nationalist Congress Party faction led by Sharad Pawar have questioned their intentions behind joining the hands of rebels.
Last month, Mr Patel had attended a meeting of Opposition unity in Patna where he expressed that he was not impressed by the Opposition’s efforts. “I definitely went there, not that it was very inspiring to see that this could be a formidable Opposition to take on the BJP in 2024,” said the 66 year old leader.
So far, faction led by Ajit Pawar currently holds support of 40 MLAs. However, Jayant Patil a leader from faction led by Sharad Pawar jas claimed that some of the MLAs who signed for joining the other side were not even aware what they were signing.
In its response, Mr Patel said that such things are mend to “mislead people”. “We are veterans at this game, we have seen it… You can sign and why did you end up in the Raj Bhavan, there were cameras there,” he further said.
On Thursday, the two sides are scheduled to hold parallel meets where the numbers will be clearly visible.
At last, Mr Patel also stressed that Sharad Pawar was and will always remain his mentor. “He’s (Sharad Pawar) a great leader, that’s why I have been with him for so many years. If I need any help in future, I will go to him,” he said.
