Once projected as a serious prime ministerial contender, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief SharadPawar seems to be struggling for space in the corridors of power in New Delhi. Formed three years ago afterPawar's expulsion from the Congress for reviling Sonia Gandhi as a foreigner, the NCP hasn't made much of asplash on the national stage. Given his reputation for switching sides, it's anyone's guess what theinscrutable politician's game-plan is. But his recent overtures towards the Congress have fuelled speculationon whether he is trying to return to the party which is now on the ascendant. Excerpts from an interview wherehe talks about the NCP's prospects, the Congress and Sonia Gandhi.