Sharad Pawar withdraws resignation as NCP chief
What's the story
Sharad Pawar withdrew his resignation as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief on Friday after the party's core committee rejected his resignation earlier in the day and urged him to continue leading the party.
The decision was taken at the meeting of the 18-member committee constituted by Pawar himself to decide the NCP's future and his successor after he announced his retirement.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Pawar quitting as the NCP chief could have had far-reaching implications, not just for Maharashtra but national politics, especially in the backdrop of the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
The 82-year-old politician is considered a formidable force capable of catalyzing a joint opposition front to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Notably, NCP workers from other states also asked him to reconsider his decision.
Pawar
Withdraw my decision to step down as NCP president: Pawar
"I can't disrespect your sentiments. Due to your love, I am respecting the demand that was made to me to withdraw my resignation and the resolution that was passed by senior NCP leaders."
"I withdraw my decision to step down as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) national president," Pawar said, hours after the NCP panel he appointed to select his successor rejected his resignation.
Shockwaves
Pawar's resignation announcement sent shockwaves
On Tuesday, Pawar sent shockwaves throughout the political arena when he announced his decision to resign as the NCP chief.
He made the announcement at the launch of his autobiography, Lok Majhe Sangati-Political Autobiography, in Mumbai, and also advocated the formation of a committee to select who should be appointed as party president.
NCP
NCP panel unanimously rejected Pawar's resignation
However, after mounting pressure from party workers and leaders, Pawar said he would take two-three days to rethink his decision.
On Friday, the NCP panel convened, and the leaders unanimously rejected the resignation.
Per reports, Pawar's nephew and NCP leader Ajit Pawar was absent when he reversed his decision and spoke of "organizational changes to the party, assigning new responsibilities and creating new leadership."
Other job
Very important to unite all political parties: Pawar
In addition to continuing as the NCP chief, he made it plain he was prepared to resume his other job, which is to unite the opposition against the BJP in 2024.
"It is very important to unite all the political parties. From Rahul Gandhi to CPIM's Sitaram Yechury, everyone called and asked me to continue," Pawar said.