Pawar not in PM race: NCP

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar has ruled himself for the post of the prime minister and has decided to be a mentor to get all-minded parties to forge an alliance.

Senior NCP leader Praful Patel stated this on the sidelines of the national convention of the party that got underway here on Tuesday evening.

According to Patel, Pawar told the NCP Extended Working Committee meeting that he was not in the race for the prime minister's post in 2019.

"I will play the role of a mentor to minimize differences among political parties and forge and alliance for the 2019 election," Patel quoted Pawar as saying in the meeting.

NCP may not have the adequate numbers, but given Pawar's vast experience the party will play a key role in national politics, Patel said.

Patel also asked the Congress to speed up discussions for an alliance in Maharashtra.

Pawar and Congress President Rahul Gandhi have agreed in principle to forge an alliance in Maharashtra, Patel said adding that the NCP would like to conclude the discussion on it within three next one month.

AICC General Secretary Ashok Gehlot and Maharashtra Congress President Ashok Chavan and NCP leaders Praful Patel and Jayant Patil have been tasked by their respective parties to discuss the modalities of the alliance in Maharashtra.