Raigad (Maharashtra), Nov 6 (IANS): Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel on Monday said party supremo Sharad Pawar could be the Prime Minister after the 2019 elections.

"2019 will be the year of NCP and Sharad Pawar. Given the current changing political situation, his (Pawar's) cherished desire may be fulfilled. He could become the PM," Patel said, addressing the party's two-day brainstorming session at Karjat here on Monday afternoon.

The former union Minister said that Pawar has the capability to lead the country and NCP workers should work hard towards this aim.

"Pawar's is an influential name in the country's politics and commands respect all over.. Even the PM listens to him in the Parliament," Patel pointed out.

Patel also rued how attempts are being made to "defame" the NCP right now, and added that Pawar takes a mild view of such elements. Patel urged the NCP chief to give up his soft stance and become "more aggressive".