Dismissive of NCP leader Sharad Pawar's ambitions to become Prime Minister after the Lok Sabha polls, Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma has asserted that Manmohan Singh will lead the country again heading the Congress-led UPA coalition.
Even though coalition partners have a right to aspire for the top post, Singh is Congress-led UPA's prime Ministerial candidate, Sharma told a news conference.
"Political leaders have a right to aspire but the ground reality remains that there is no vacancy for the top post. Congress is the largest pan-Indian political party and it will lead the UPA coalition," Sharma said when asked about NCP president Sharad Pawar's prime ministerial ambitions.
He said the Congress-led UPA will perform better than 2004 Lok Sabha elections. "We will be way ahead of the BJP-led NDA and we are saying this on the strength of our performance."
Sharma said the UPA has completed five years of successful tenure by fulfilling its promises made in the previous election.
"Dr Singh is respected the world over for his integrity and intellect. His counsel is sought by world leaders for major political and financial developments," he said.
{{/usCountry}}"Dr Singh is respected the world over for his integrity and intellect. His counsel is sought by world leaders for major political and financial developments," he said.
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