Veteran leader Sharad Pawar said he would continue as chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), hours after the 18-member committee appointed to decide the future of NCP unanimously rejected the resignation of Pawar.
Pawar said that he cannot disrespect the emotions of the people.
“During the publication of my autobiography, I had announced my retirement from the NCP chief’s post. After 63 years in public life, I wanted to be free from all responsibilities. However, my decision did not go down well with the people and a strong reaction was seen. NCP workers, office bearers, and people were unhappy. They asked me to reconsider my decision. They appealed me for the same. Also, leaders from various political parties across the state and the country requested me to continue as the president of the party,” said Pawar.
Pawar added: “I cannot disrespect the emotions of people. Your love has made me emotional. The decision by senior NCP leaders’ committee was informed to me and I respect it. As such, I withdraw my decision of resigning from the post.”
“The committee has passed a resolution unanimously. It says NCP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Pawar’s resignation has been unanimously rejected. It recommends that Sharad Pawar should remain at the post as party president,” senior party leader and committee convener Praful Patel said.
