May support Pawar for PM, says Chiranjeevi

In what could be a boost to Sharad Pawar's prime ministerial ambitions, Praja Rajyam Party chief Chiranjeevi said on Wednesday that his party will consider supporting Nationalist Congress Party supremo for the top political post. "Pawar is a deserving candidate for the prime minister's post. If all things go allright, I will consider supporting him," the film star-turned politician told media-persons in Hyderabad.

Chiranjeevi's comments came a day after PRP's political affairs committee indicated the fledgling party may consider extending its support to Pawar if the proposed Fourth Front of which it is a constituent gets enough numbers after the Lok Sabha polls. A suggestion for backing Pawar for the prime ministership was reportedly made by senior PRP leaders P Shiv Shankar and P Upendra at the meeting. With the Left parties too favourably inclined towards Pawar's candidature, the PRP feels there should not be any problem for the Union Agriculture minister to get the top political post. PRP's stand on Pawar comes in the backdrop of Samajwadi Party, All India Anna Dravida Kazhagam, Biju Janata Dal warming up to the idea of Pawar being PM.

Asked to elaborate on the backing for Pawar, Chiranjeevi said that Pawar was a "worthy and deserving candidate". When asked about joining Fourth Front being spearheaded by the SP, Chiranjeevi said the PRP would be part of the Front. "Only Amar Singh is in direct touch with me and he is coordinating the efforts to put the Fourth Front in place," the PRP chief added. Replying to a question, Chiranjeevi said their foremost priority would be to protect the interests of Andhra Pradesh.