Pawar, Pilot try to patch up with Kesri

Tara Shankar Sahay in New Delhi

In an apparent move to build bridges with the Sitaram Kesri camp, Congress presidential candidates Sharad Pawar and Rajesh Pilot have indicated their willingness to forget the recent acrimony and accept the verdict of the party's delegates.

Realising that Kesri is all set to retain the Congress presidency, Pilot tried to repair the damage from his earlier statements including the allegation that the party president had manipulated the poll.

According to party officials, Pilot's chief worry is finding a berth in the Congress Working Committee. If he fails on this score, Pilot's image as a firebrand leader will take a serious beating.

As for Pawar, he will most probably win election to the CWC because of his support base, especially in Maharashtra. However, Pawar is worried that he may lose his position as the Congress leader in the Lok Sabha because of his anti-Kesri tirade. Already, Kesri's supporters are demanding that Pawar be removed from the post.

Pawar, sources said, has started sending feelers to the Kesri camp that the past should be forgotten in the party's interests.

A leading Kesri loyalist said both Pawar and Pilot are aware that a victorious Kesri will encourage a second line of leadership in the party at their expense. That is why the two have been trying to mend fences with Kesri.