Sharad Pawar steps down as NCP chief

NCP leader Sharad Pawar on May 2 declared that he will step down as Nationalist Congress Party president during his autobiography book launch.

NCP leader Sharad Pawar on May 2 declared that he will step down as Nationalist Congress Party president during his autobiography book launch.

“After a long period of public life from May 1, 1960, to May 1, 2023, it is necessary to take a step back. Hence, I have decided to step down as President of the Nationalist Congress Party,” he said, as party cadre demonstrated and urged him to reconsider. 

“I intend to do more in the fields of education, agriculture, cooperation, sports and culture, amongst others. I will also pay attention to issues related to the youth, students, workers, Dalits, tribals and other weaker sections of the society,” Mr. Pawar said at⁩ the release of his updated version of political memoirs.

There has been no announcement yet on who will succeed Mr. Pawar as the NCP chief, but Mr. Pawar said a committee may be formed to select the next party president.

“I am recommending that a committee of NCP members should be formed to decide on the election of the vacancy in the President’s post…This committee will decide on the president’s selection. It will continue to strive for the growth of the party organisation, to take the ideology and goals of the party to the people, and to serve the people, as they deem fit,” Mr. Pawar said.