Sharad Pawar is one of the few leaders who has kept himself relevant in national politics, notwithstanding his party's strength (or lack of it) in the Parliament or in the state assemblies. The Nationalist Congress Party boss's attempts at the PM's post have failed in the past, yet his supporters have kept hope afloat, saying, "Sabeb ka time ayega'. It is another matter that Pawar laughs aloud whenever he is asked the question. He has said repeatedly that he wouldn't make it to the prime position with the numbers his Congress breakaway gets from Maharashtra.

Anything he says or refuses to say make headlines. Nobody can guarantee the outcome of his public statements. The unpredictability that his political manoeuvrings bring to him has impacted his credibility at times, and yet has made him friends across parties. Wouldn't it be the icing on the cake if the NCP manages to win good strength, making Pawar an important negotiator in the post-election management of mahagathbandhan? That way, he could safeguard NCP's interests and stake in the formation of the government, if any. Maybe things are moving in that direction already.