Next Prez must be non-political person: Pawar

Union agriculture minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar wants a "non-political" person as the country's next President. An ally in the ruling UPA at the Centre, Pawar denied that his party was pitching for former Lok Sabha speaker PA Sangma for the post.

Union agriculture minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar wants a "non-political" person as the country's next President. An ally in the ruling UPA at the Centre, Pawar denied that his party was pitching for former Lok Sabha speaker PA Sangma for the post.

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Pawar said that since both the UPA and NDA did not have the required numbers to ensure a win for their respective candidates, they must arrive at a consensus on a person not associated with any political party.

According to sources, Congress wants vice-president Hamid Ansari to replace Pratibha Patil after the polls in July. Pawar's idea may impact the Congress' plan.