New Delhi (India), May 4, 2023: Renowned Indian politician, Sharad Pawar, stunned the nation when he tendered his resignation as the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) two days ago.
While many believed it to be a calculated move to outmaneuver his nephew Ajit Pawar’s attempts to split the party, the question of succession now looms large. However, party sources suggest that an answer may come soon as a committee appointed by Pawar to pick his successor will meet tomorrow at the party’s office in Mumbai.
If the veteran politician remains firm on his decision, his daughter, Supriya Sule, is the likely candidate to take the reins. The member of parliament from Maharashtra’s home constituency would ensure the 82-year-old’s continued influence in the party. Meanwhile, supporters picketed outside his home, urging him to retract his resignation.
Pawar defended his decision to resign, saying that he took a direct decision knowing that party members would not agree.
Senior party leaders have suggested that Ajit Pawar should take care of the state while Sule should oversee national politics and become the next national president if Sharad Pawar does not want to continue. Jayant Patil, the party’s Maharashtra unit chief, has declared that he has no desire to become the national president, while Praful Patel echoed similar sentiments. Both leaders have requested that the party grant Sharad Pawar some time to reconsider his decision before deliberating on his successor.
As the party seeks to persuade Pawar to reconsider his decision, at least two MLAs and several office-bearers have resigned in protest. However, party leaders are urging patience among workers and asking them to refrain from resigning en masse. The next few days are critical as the NCP works to establish a new path forward.
