Sharad Pawar, a veteran political leader, has agreed to reconsider his decision to step down from the top post of his Nationalist Congress Party. This was confirmed by his nephew, Ajit Pawar, who said that Sharad Pawar had sought a few days to make a final decision. Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule, met with Sharad Pawar along with other party leaders and later spoke to reporters.
Ajit Pawar quoted his uncle as saying, “I took my decision but because of all of you, I will rethink my decision. But I need two to three days and I will give it a thought only if the workers go home. Some people have been resigning from party posts too. These resignations should stop.”
Mr. Pawar had earlier announced his resignation this morning citing his advanced age, as he is 83 years old. He had said, “It is time for a new generation to guide the party and the direction it intends to take. I am recommending that a committee of NCP members should be formed to decide on the election of the vacancy in the President’s post.”
However, the leaders who met with Sharad Pawar suggested that he remain the president and appoint a working president under him. Ajit Pawar said, “We told Sharad Pawar that the workers are unhappy. You be the president and appoint a working president. Sharad Pawar listened to us and then asked us to come back here and speak to the workers sitting here.”
The decision by Sharad Pawar to step down had caused a stir in the Nationalist Congress Party, with some party leaders resigning from their posts. However, with his willingness to reconsider his decision, the party seems to be headed toward a resolution. It remains to be seen what decision Sharad Pawar will make after the two to three days he has sought.
