Days after Sharad Pawar publicly announced his resignation as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, the octogenarian leader has taken back his decision. "I'm taking my decision back," Sharad Pawar announced in a press conference on Friday.
"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 the national president of NCP," Pawar said.
The former Maharashtra Chief Minister, however, did mention that there needs to be a succession plan in NCP.
While announcing his comeback to the party fold in the highest position, the veteran leader said he will focus on making organisational changes and will work with "renewed vigour".
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A committee to choose the new NCP National President on Friday rejected Sharad Pawar’s decision to step down.
“The committee has unanimously passed a resolution. It unanimously rejects his decision to step down and urges him to continue as party president,” senior party leader Praful Patel said on Friday after a meeting of the committee.
Post that, Patel and senior party leaders met Pawar at his Silver Oak residence to make him aware of the committee's decision.
“We requested (Sharad) Pawar saheb to consider the NCP committee’s resolution (which rejected his decision of stepping down as party chief). He (Pawar) has asked for more time and will convey his decision,” Patel said.
Pawar himself had set up the committee, including Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule, former Union minister Parful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, after he announced on May 2 that he would be resigning as NCP chief.
Earlier this week, NCP workers had staged protests after Pawar announced his decision to step down as party president.