Undeterred By Rain, 82-Yr-Old Sharad Pawar In Navi Mumbai Says 'Won’t Surrender So Easily' — WATCH

Sharad Pawar, undeterred by rain, delivered a defiant speech in Navi Mumbai, evoking memories of his pivotal 2019 address that transformed the NCP's fate in Maharashtra.

NCP President Sharad Pawar sits amid rain during Mahila Bachat Gat and Party Workers' meet at Nerul, in Navi Mumbai.

Source : PTI

NCP founder Sharad Pawar delivered a spirited speech on Sunday, reminiscent of his iconic address in October 2019 that is credited with altering the fate of his party in the last Maharashtra assembly elections. Braving the rain, the 82-year-old politician attended a party event in Navi Mumbai, where light showers accompanied his speech.

In defiance of the weather, Pawar expressed determination, stating, "Our plans here have been disrupted by the rains today. But we are the people who won’t surrender so easily or backtrack. We need to continue our struggle in the future", as quoted by news agency PTI. His remarks can be seen as a veiled reference to his nephew Ajit Pawar's assertive attempts to gain control of the party.

Photographs and videos of the rain-soaked NCP chief circulated on social media, evoking memories of his historic address four years ago. On October 18, 2019, just days before the Maharashtra assembly polls, Pawar campaigned for an NCP candidate in Satara. Despite heavy rain during the rally, Pawar, offered an umbrella, refused, stating that the rain was a blessing from the gods. The Satara Lok Sabha bypoll coincided with the assembly elections.

The images and footage of Pawar addressing the rally in the rain became a sensation, and many credit that speech with transforming the political fortunes of the NCP, PTI's report stated. The party, grappling with large-scale defections to the BJP before the polls, secured 54 seats, 13 more than its 2014 tally of 41 seats. Even the Congress, relegated to the fourth position, acknowledged the impact of Pawar's Satara speech.

Currently, Sharad Pawar faces a different challenge, with his nephew Ajit Pawar and several senior leaders breaking away from the NCP in July to join the BJP and the Shiv Sena-led government. The NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar has approached the Election Commission to stake a claim to the party's name and poll symbol, asserting the support of over 40 MLAs.

Subscribe And Follow ABP Live On Telegram: https://t.me/officialabplive