Pawar-Pilot axis threatens Kesri's position

Tara Shankar Sahay in New Delhi

A triangular contest for the Congress presidency seems inevitable, though Sitaram Kesri's supporters assert that consensus is imminent.

Only A R Antulay withdrew from the contest on Monday, the last day of withdrawal of nominations, leaving Kesri, Sharad Pawar and Rajesh Pilot in the race.

Antulay -- Pawar's spokesman -- claimed that the Maharashtra leader and Pilot's supporters would vote according to a plan. After giving their first preference vote to their mentors, the supporters would give their second preference vote to the other leader -- that is, Pawar or Pilot.

If the plan succeeds, Kesri will be in some trouble. There appears to be jubilation in the Pawar and Pilot camps as the two leaders believe they have finally outwitted Kesri. The Congress president's supporters will have to give their second preference votes to either Pilot or Pawar lest their votes become invalid.

However, a senior Congressman from the Kesri camp told Rediff On The NeT that his leader was in no danger of losing as he would get over 5,000 first preference votes. Thus, the second preference votes of Kesri's supporters would be inconsequential, this Congress leader pointed out.

With the three leaders stepping up their campaign, some Congress officials said money-power was making its presence felt in a big way. Besides, plum posts are being offered to attract voters. A Congress official said this is one area where Kesri has overtaken his rivals.