Rahul Gandhi has not proved mettle yet: Sharad Pawar

NEW DELHI: NCP leader Sharad Pawar came close to suggesting that Congress vice-president lacked the required experience to lead a government.

"One has to prove his mettle in administration. I would have been happy if he joined the Manmohan Singh goverment, but it's his personal decision. I cannot say anything about that. I would have preferred if he would have joined government, it would have been beneficial for him. I have no knowledge whether he ( Rahul Gandhi) has proved himself," he said.

Pawar also ruled out working under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. "Till today, Congress has not projected any candidate. There is no question of working with Rahul Gandhi... it is a generation gap," he said.

In the interview, Pawar conceded that BJP could get more seats in the coming election, but that may not be enough to put it on the driver's seat. "BJP might gain some more seats. Congress might lose some. But the numbers may not add up."

On the chances of third front leading the government, he said, "We have seen Congress supporting regional parties. We have seen that types of situation...ultimately it depends on the numbers."