Pawar eyes PM's post, tries to unite Third, Fourth fronts

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar is trying hard to fulfill his long cherised dream of becoming the prime minister if Congress-led United Progressive Alliance fails to reach the magic mark of 272 seats. Earlier on Monday, Pawar's close associate, Maharashtra Finance Minister Dilip Walse-Patil also said the same in Mumbai.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar is trying hard to fulfill his long cherised dream of becoming the prime minister if Congress-led United Progressive Alliance fails to reach the magic mark of 272 seats.

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According to highly placed sources, Sharad Pawar is in talks to bring toghter the Third and Fourth Fronts.

The Maratha strongman, who already has the backing of AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa and Biju Janata Dal chief and Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik for the PM's post, is also in talks with the Fourth Front leaders.

Earlier on Monday, Pawar's close associate, Maharashtra Finance Minister Dilip Walse-Patil also said the same in Mumbai.

"If BJP and Congress do not get majority, Sharad Pawar has good chances of becoming the next Prime Minister," he added.

As per the exit polls results, the Third Front that consists of Left, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Janata Dal (Secular), Telugu Desam Party all combined together could garner around 100 seats.