Sharad Pawar, 82, had said on Tuesday that he was quitting as NCP chief. (PTI file photo)
NCP leader Sharad Pawar withdraws his resignation saying he accepts the party’s decision
Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar on Friday said he is withdrawing his decision to resign as party chief and said he will work for the NCP with renewed vigour.
Addressing a press conference, the NCP supremo said, ‘I cannot insult the sentiments of my party leaders. He has taken a decision and I trust him. I respect and accept his decision. Hence, I am withdrawing my decision to resign and take up the responsibility again.”
The announcement came after a committee set up to choose the new NCP chief rejected Pawar’s decision to step down. Pawar himself constituted the committee, comprising Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule, former Union ministers Parful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, when he announced earlier this week that he would be resigning as NCP chief.
Several NCP workers wearing caps with the message “I am with Saheb” also demanded that Pawar reconsider his decision as the committee meeting was held during the day.
The 82-year-old leader, who was greeted with flowers by party workers at the presser, told reporters, “On May 2, I expressed my desire to retire as the national president of the party, as I wanted to be. Free from responsibilities at this age.”
However, seeing the disappointment of party workers and office bearers, I decided to reconsider my decision. He has showered me with a lot of love and I cannot let him down.”
The senior leader said, “The committee requested me to resume the responsibility of the national president and after careful consideration, I have decided to do so. I respect and accept the decision taken by the party leaders and workers.”
“There should be a succession plan in the NCP,” Pawar said, adding that he would focus on making organizational changes in the party.
Though I am accepting this responsibility, I believe that there should be someone to lead the party after me. Still, I am overwhelmed by the love and support everyone has shown me.”
Senior NCP leader Praful Patel had earlier said that Pawar had sought more time to reconsider his decision to step down as party chief.
Responding to questions, Pawar referred to the committee meeting and said the party is united and discussions have taken place before his announcement.
The NCP chief also made wind of Ajit Pawar’s absence at his press conference, saying, “Not everyone can be present at a press conference. Some people are here and some others are not. But this morning the senior leaders of the party took a unanimous decision and informed me about it. Everyone expressed their feelings through that decision. Therefore, it is not correct to raise the question of who is present here and who is not or to seek its meaning.”
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