Veteran politician Sharad Pawar made his resignation as the head of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) known during the Mumbai book launch for his autobiography. The 82-year-old lawmaker emphasised that he is not retiring from public service but pointed out that the party needs to be led by a younger generation. Mr. Pawar, a four-time chief minister of Maharashtra, stated that a council of senior party leaders would decide on the future course of action.
However, his choice has sparked outrage among NCP leaders and supporters, with many of them breaking down in tears. Praful Patel, a prominent NCP politician and Rajya Sabha member, claimed that Sharad Pawar did not consult with anyone before announcing his resignation. Reports of Sharad Pawar’s nephew, Ajit Pawar, gaining control of the party have gained momentum. Ajit Pawar’s absence from a meeting of his party’s Mumbai branch last month, which sparked tremendous talk about his coming up to the BJP, has fed this rumour.
Former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar took office alongside BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis; however, on November 28, the cabinet disintegrated without demonstrating its majority. Ajit Pawar has reportedly joined the BJP as a result of Sharad Pawar’s resignation, which has openly urged him to do so. Eknath Shinde, the chief minister of Maharashtra and a supporter of the BJP, has made it clear that he opposes any such action, though.
One of the top opposition figures in the nation, Sharad Pawar, was instrumental in uniting the opposition parties in advance of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The NCP and the Maha Vikas Aghadi administration in Maharashtra, which he assisted in forming in coalition with the Congress and Shiv Sena parties, have come under scrutiny as a result of his declaration. NCP workers and leaders have pleaded with Mr. Pawar to reverse his decision, but it is unclear whether he would do so.