Sharad Pawar Unresigns as NCP Chief, Decides to Stick Around and Spice Up the Opposition Mix

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, on Friday, formally announced withdrawal of his resignation while saying that he shall focus on organizational changes in the near future.

Pawar, who addressed a press conference at Y B Chavan centre in the evening, said, “‘Lok Maze Sangati’ means people are my companions! And this is the real secret of my long and satisfying public life. I cannot disrespect their feelings. I am overwhelmed with the love, trust and faith showered on me. "

“Because of my decision, there was an intense reaction among NCP workers. There was a great deal of uneasiness among partymen with my party workers and well-wishers urging me to reconsider. I cannot disrespect your feelings. The affection and faith shown in me has overwhelmed me. Respecting the committee’s decision, I take back my resignation,” the veteran politician said.

"After reconsideration of everything, I announce that I will continue as the president of the party. I take back my previous decision," Pawar told reporters.

This comes shortly after Nationalist Congress Party's key committee on Friday unanimously rejected Sharad Pawar's resignation. The key panel held a meeting at their party office in Ballard Pier in Mumbai.

Though I am continuing, there has to be succession plan: Sharad Pawar

The veteran politician's absolute control over the party was reinforced by a three-day spectacle, marked by a dramatic resignation and an equally dramatic reversal. The event was further fueled by rumors of Ajit Pawar's involvement with the ruling BJP, while his absence during Mr. Pawar's announcement about "organizational changes" was noteworthy.

The sudden resignation had sparked intense speculation about the succession of his position, with many speculating that his daughter Supriya Sule would take over, leaving the question of Ajit Pawar's role unanswered.

"Even though I am continuing in the post of president, I am of the clear opinion that there has to be a succession plan for any post or responsibility in the organisation. In future, I will focus on making organizational changes in the party, assigning new responsibilities, creating new leadership. I will also work vigorously for the growth of organisation and take our ideology and goals of the party to the people," Pawar said.

Rahul Gandhi, Sitaram Yechury asked me to continue: Pawar

He expressed his readiness to resume his role in uniting the opposition, which has been divided in various directions against the BJP, for the 2024 elections.

"It is very important to unite all the political parties. From Rahul Gandhi to CPIM's Sitaram Yechury, everyone called and asked me to continue," he said.

NCP workers celebrate after Pawar withdraws resignation

At the launch of his memoir in Mumbai, Mr. Pawar's surprise announcement led many to speculate that he was trying to preempt Ajit Pawar's reported attempts to create a rift within the party and lure members to the BJP.

Following Tuesday's events, during which NCP workers had made dramatic pleas for Mr. Pawar to rescind his resignation, there were displays of fireworks and celebrations among party members.