The Hindu : National : Thackeray feels Pawar can become PM

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005

National

National

Thackeray feels Pawar can become PM

Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray feels that Union Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar can become the Prime Minister even though his party does not have the number of MPs to see him reach the top post.

``Even though you have only nine MPs in the Lok Sabha, you are an astute political player and I am aware of your capabilities. There have been examples where people have become PM without the backing of even one MP'', Mr Thackeray wrote in an editorial in party mouthpiece "Saamna" on the occasion of Mr Pawar's 65th birthday.

``Game of power''

``Politics in present times is the game of power and Mr. Pawar is a powerful player of this game. He is into kho kho, wrestling, kabbadi at the same time and now has become the ``badshah'' of the Board of Conrol for Cricket in India. Even though we are political rivals, I am extremely happy as a Maharashtrian'', Mr Thackeray said.

``You are now 65 and must know the limitations of advancing age. If you have to become PM, you must take care of your health'', Mr. Thackeray said. — UNI

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