As the Congress gears up for elections to the party president's post, talks are going on informally within the constituents of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) about who will head it. Among the likely names to replace Sonia Gandhi, a strong contender is Sharad Pawar who will turn 80 within two days. Pawar may replace Gandhi if she retires after the baton of the Congress is passed on to another leader.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has reacted to the news and said,"We'll be happy if Pawar sir becomes UPA chairman. But I've heard that he's personally refused it. We will support him if such a proposal comes to the fore officially. Congress is weak now so the opposition needs to come together & strengthen the UPA."
Pawar is also the architect of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra that upstaged the BJP. "You never know what can happen in politics. Sharad Pawar ji has vast experience, knowledge of the issues before the country and knows the pulse of the people," added Raut.
The multi-party alliance was formed in 2004 and Sonia Gandhi has continued to be its chairperson ever since.
The other prominent members of the UPA are the NCP, DMK, RJD, JMM and the Shiv Sena, by association of leading the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra.
Pawar, who turns 80 on December 12, has more than 50 years of political experience behind him. He has held top posts such as chief minister, Union Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.