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.
Following the meeting, Praful Patel, Vice-President of the party held a media conference where he said that the panel unanimously announced that they have decided to reject the resignation and proposed he continue as the chief.
"Everyone has expressed that he must not step down as party chief. Each and every person associated with NCP is sad and it cannot be ignored," Praful Patel said and added, "Sharad Pawar expressed his desire to resign and it has been rejected. We unanimously propose that he continues as party chief in the best interest of the party."
He added that they will meet seek time and meet Sharad Pawar and present the panel's resolution.
Praful Patel on Sharad Pawar's resignation
Sharad Pawar announced his resignation from the post of party chief on May 2. He announced his retirement at the event held to launch his autobiography.
Patel, who addressed the press, shortly after their meeting, said that Pawar took the decision without taking anyone into confidence and that they all were equally astonished to hear that he wishes to step down as party chief.
"Sharad Pawar made important announcement that he was stepping down as NCP chief on May 2. He, on the same day, for futher course of action, formed a panel to decide the next president of party. Whatever he expressed, we were astonished. No one had a clue about his decision. We met him multiple times and requested relentlessly to take his resignation back," he said.
Patel later added, "Sharad Pawar is a coveted leader and his influence can be seen across India. Many top leaders reached out to either Supriya Sule or Sharad Pawar and to even me and expressed their sentiments [on his resignation]."
