- Saturday, March 01, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
Sharad Pawar, president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and one of India’s senior politicians, on Friday (5) said he was revoking his decision to step down as party chief.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, the capital of the western state of Maharashtra where the NCP is an influential player, Pawar, who had sprung a surprise by announcing his resignation three days ago, said he could not disrespect the sentiments of his colleagues and party workers who insisted that he withdraw his decision.
“I cannot disrespect their feelings. I am overwhelmed by the love, trust and faith showered on me. Considering the appeals made by all of you, and honouring the decision of the committee constituted by the party, I am withdrawing my decision to retire,” the 82-year-old, who has served in various capacities in both Maharashtra politics and in New Delhi, said.
He also stressed that there has to be a “succession plan” for any post or responsibility in an organization. He will focus on making organizational changes in the party, assigning new responsibilities and creating new leadership, Pawar said.
“I will also work vigorously for the growth of the organisation and take our ideology and goals of the party to the people,” he said.
Pawar is considered a key figure in unifying the opposition parties against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of prime minister Narendra Modi in next year’s general elections.
(With PTI inputs)
