Maharashtra: Sharad Pawar's Resignation U-turn, Says 'Will Rethink My Decision'

Sharad Pawar, a veteran political leader, is reconsidering his surprise resignation as the head of his Nationalist Congress Party.

This decision was relayed by his nephew, Ajit Pawar, who had an audience with him alongside Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter, and other party officials.

The veteran politician has asked for a few days to ponder over his decision before coming to a final conclusion.

"I took my decision but because of all of you, I will rethink on 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," Ajit Pawar quoted his uncle as saying, reports NDTV.

According to him, the leaders proposed that Sharad Pawar continue serving as the president while designating a working president who would report to him.

"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," he said.

83-year-old Pawar cited his age as the reason for his resignation, which he announced this morning.

He suggested forming a committee of NCP members to decide on the election of the President's post, stating that it is time for a new generation to lead the party and determine its direction.

Praful Patel, Rajya Sabha member, claimed that Sharad Pawar resigned without consulting anyone.

Party workers were left stunned by Pawar's announcement which doubled doubts about Ajit Pawar's inclination towards BJP. They refused to leave the party office until he withdrew his decision, with some leaders, including MLA Jayant Patil, breaking down. In addition, other MLAs threatened to resign from the assembly.

"After Sharad Pawar's decision today, we all got emotional and stopped him for hours and demanded him to rethink. Since it was getting late, we asked Sharad Pawar to go home. However, the protest of the workers continued," Ajit told reporters.

"Later, several leaders went to Silver Oak to meet him and informed him about what's happening across the state," he added.

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