Sharad Pawar Steps Down As NCP Chief Amid Buzz Over Nephew Ajit Pawar Jumping Ship

Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday announced his decision to step down from the post and not to contest elections in future. However, he won’t retire from active politics.

“I have three years left of Rajya Sabha membership in Parliament, during which I will focus on issues related to Maharashtra and India, with a caveat of not taking any responsibility. After a long period of public life from May 1, 1960, to May 1, 2023, it is necessary to take a step back. One must think about stopping somewhere. One must not be greedy. Hence, I have decided to step down as President of the Nationalist Congress Party,” said Pawar at the launch of the second edition of his autobiography, ‘Lok Maze Sangati’.

“it’s time for a new generation to guide the party and the direction it intends to take,” he added.

The four-time Maharashtra chief minister recommended that a committee comprising senior NCP leaders, including Supriya Sule, Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Jayant Patil, Anil Deshmukh, Rajesh Tope, Chhagan Bhujbal, be formed to draw a future course of action.

Soon after his announcement, several NCP leaders and workers rose to their feet and demanded that the NCP supremo reverse his decision.

Pawar had founded the party on June 10, 1999.

The announcement came amid buzz around his nephew Ajit Pawar, a former Deputy Chief Minister, warming up to the BJP. He, however, repeatedly denied these rumours and was present at the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s rally in Mumbai on May 1 in a show of unity.