Pawar, Pilot Stay On Course

The response at the grassroots has not been exactly euphoric, but both Sharad Pawar and Rajesh Pilot yesterday claimed that they would not withdraw from the contest for the Congress president.

Supporters of Sitaram Kesri remained confident in the capital that the exertions of both Pilot and Pawar would not pose much of a problem for Kesri. In any case, they said neither Pilot nor Pawar could afford to state in the midst of campaigning that they would withdraw from the contest shortly.

Congress sources said that if one applied the who-loses-the-most criterion, it is clear that Pawar would become a casualty within the new dispensation that would emerge after the elections. In any case, Pilot has been vocal in his criticism of the party leadership ever since Kesri was appointed by the Congress Working Committee last October.

On the other hand, Pawar has been following the Kesri line until a few days ago. Kesri appointed him the party's floor leader in the Lok Sabha. In the event of Kesri getting formally elected president, Pawar's stock would fall to a new low, party sources said.

The last date for withdrawal of nomations is today. An AICC office-bearer said Pawar may announce his withdrawal a day or two before the polling on June 9. He added that Pilot was unlikely to withdraw, even though he may not poll many votes.

Pilot said in Calcutta: I have been opposing Kesri's selection and demanding election from the beginning. Why should I withdraw? Earlier also I had told Pawar that you have two choices. Either you contest or you support me. If you contest, I will be happy. If you support me, I will be obliged. Pilot also demanded that for ensuring transparency in the election process, one of the general secretaries should take over the functioning of the party for 10 days.

According to Pilot, both Kesri and Pawar should retire as they had failed to revive the party. The downslide of the party continued even under Kesari's leadership which was reflected in the results of Assembly poll in Punjab and last week's byelection. Maharastra, the stronghold of the Congress, had gone to BJP-Shiv Sena during the chief ministership of Pawar.

In Chennai, Pawar also ruled out withdrawing from the contest.

There is no question of my withdrawing in favour of anybody. Kesri's remarks that youngsters should take over the leadership of the party was to be welcomed by all. I only appeal to him to honour his words by withdrawing from the contest, Pawar said.