Sharad Pawar 'not keen' to contest for Presidential Elections

Elections for the 16^th President of India are expected to be held in July 2022 as the current Presidential term for Ram Nath Kovind ends soon. However, ahead of the elections, several members from the political circuit have been taking about the NCP chief Sharad Pawar contesting for the same.

Offering clarification regarding the matter, a senior party leader from the NCP mentioned that Pawar is not keen and has also not show interest despite several leaders from the opposition having opted out of the race. Matters regarding the same were discussed when ministers from the NCP met Pawar on Monday, June 13, 2022.

Reports state that the leader of AAP, Sanjay Singh, met Pawar on Sunday, June 12, 2022, to express party’s support if NCP chief contended for the next President of IndiaBesides AAP, another leader from Congress also requested Pawar to contest for the elections. He shared the thought while talking about the Rajya Sabha polls last week. However, NCP issued clarification regarding the speculations.

Sharing more details about the same, the Indian Express quoted the NCP minister who said, “I don’t think he is keen on it (contesting polls). Saheb (Pawar) is a people’s man who loves meeting people. He will not restrict himself to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.” Apparently, the subject was also discussed with members from the Trinamool Congress (TMC)

Adding further, the leader said that the current focus for NCP, under Pawar’s leadership is to work along with the opposition for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. A common candidature for the Presidential polls is under discussion with the leaders from the Congress and other opposition parties.

As of now, NDA is said to be in a position to win the elections as the candidature is expected to receive 50 per cent of the votes from the BJP-led party. Data reveals that the NDA has over 440 MPs, however, the UPA and TMC have approximately 180 and 36 MPs respectively who are believed to be in favour of the candidature from the opposition.

The Election Commission has informed that the elections would be held on July 18, 2022, where both the members from the Houses of Parliament and state Assemblies would cast their vote.