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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday distanced himself from speculation that he could become the next Prime Minister if the Congress-led INDIA bloc wins the Lok Sabha election.
He also sidestepped questions about Rahul Gandhi as a prime ministerial candidate, saying no such discussion had taken place and that the INDIA bloc would take a decision after the election results.
Mr Kejriwal pointed out that the AAP is a "small party... contesting only 22 seats" in this election; the comment has been seen as indicative that his chances of being PM, at this time, are remote.
Speaking to news agency PTI, he said, "I don't have any intention of becoming the next PM if INDIA bloc wins." The AAP leader - on bail after his arrest in the liquor policy case - said his aim is to save the nation from a "dictatorship", alleging opposition leaders will be jailed if the BJP comes back to power.
The INDIA grouping - formed in June last year to unite the opposition and stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP from claiming a third term - is contesting sans a candidate for the top job. The BJP, on the other hand, continues to fight from behind Mr Modi's larger-than-life shadow.
The BJP has often mocked its rivals for not naming a PM candidate or even an alliance figurehead, which it has claimed underlines persistent rifts that reflect incompatible political ideologies.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi - widely seen as the opposition's leading PM face - last month outlined the bloc's plans in this regard. He said a candidate would be chosen after the election result.
The selection of a candidate, he stressed, would be made by all INDIA constituents.
Source: Will Arvind Kejriwal Accept Rahul Gandhi As PM? What He Said