Baramati (Maharashtra): Declaring that he is "still not out of the Prime Ministerial race", Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar today (Apr 26, 2004) said that everything depends on the situation after declaration of results of the Lok Sabha polls.

"I am still in the race for Prime Ministership," he told media persons after casting vote in his hometown.

"Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda could occupy the coveted post even though he had just 17 MPs, so my option for the Prime Ministership is still open. It is my desire to become the Prime Minister of the country but everything depends on situation ahead," Pawar said.

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Political Parties in India

The Left Front, which usually has 60 to 70 members in Parliament, would play a crucial role in formation of the Government, but are not in the race of Prime Ministership, he said.

"There is going to be a big set back to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in this polls and if NDA is not able to get majority, the alliance partners are likely to switch their loyalties," the NCP leader said.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) should clarify their stand as their decisions are likely to be important in formation of the Government at the Centre, Pawar added.