Sharad Pawar decides to step down as NCP president
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said he has decided to step down from his position, reported ANI. The 82-year-old, however, will not retire from active politics. Pawar announced the decision during the launch of his autobiography, Lok Majhe Sangati-Political Autobiography, in Mumbai and also proposed the formation of a committee to decide who should be appointed as the party president.
Watch: Pawar says he is resigning from his post
It is necessary to take step back: Pawar
Pawar, who remained the NCP's chief since the party's inception in 1999, said, "I have three years left of Rajya Sabha membership, during which I will focus on issues related to Maharashtra and India." "After a long period of public life from May 1, 1960, to May 1, 2023, it is necessary to take a step back," he added.
NCP workers urge Pawar to take resignation back
As soon as Pawar announced his resignation, the NCP workers at the launch event demanded that the veteran leader withdraw his decision, saying they won't leave the auditorium until he does so. Meanwhile, party leader Praful Patel told reporters that Pawar did not take anyone into confidence before the announcement. Moreover, NCP leader Jayant Patil, who was sitting beside Pawar, broke down on stage.
Watch: Patil breaks down after Pawar's announcement
Pawar won't take his resignation back: Ajit Pawar
Responding to NCP workers' appeal, Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar said, "Pawar saheb himself had said about the necessity of change in guard a few days back. We should see his decision in the light of his age and health also." "Everyone has to take a decision according to time, Pawar saheb has taken a decision, and he won't take it back," he added.
Pawar will always be head of NCP family: Ajit Pawar
Pawar's resignation comes amid reports of party's internal fissures
Notably, Pawar's resignation comes amid reports of internal fissures in the NCP. Several media reports recently speculated that Ajit Pawar and some party MLAs might join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, the veteran political leader rejected these claims, saying if someone is trying to break away, a "firm stand" will be taken by the party.
