Pawar won't contest LS, but senior state leaders may have to

While NCP chief and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today reiterated that he would not be contesting the Lok Sabha election this time, some senior party leaders would have to brace up for moving out of the state.

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and NCP leader Ajit Pawar today said at a party convention here that senior leaders and ministers in the state can be asked to contest the Lok Sabha polls, in a bid to improve the party's tally in the Parliament.

"Whoever Pawarsaheb choses as candidate, will have to contest. Many people have been ministers in the state for 15 years," Ajit said, in the presence of his uncle.

Pawar senior said in his speech that he would not contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, and may opt for Rajya Sabha.

Other NCP leaders said on this occasion that Congress should start seat-sharing talks for Lok Sabha at the earliest.

Union Minister Praful Patel and state Home Minister RR Patil said it must become clear as early as possible which seats the two parties were going to contest respectively, so that preparations could start.

Sharad Pawar also said in his speech that he was not averse for Maratha reservations in education and jobs, but ruled out `political reservations'.