I’ve already taken the decision, says Sharad Pawar; committee to choose successor tomorrow

A source who was present in the meeting told The Indian Express that some of the 15-20 workers who met Pawar were seen sobbing. NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad, who resigned from the party post, was also present at the meeting where Pawar said he has “already taken the decision”.

Pawar clarified that the committee of senior party leaders would decide on his resignation as well as the successor.

“The decision will have to be accepted by you all,” Pawar said, asking the workers to rethink on agitation demanding to withdraw his resignation.

After Pawar’s announcement of resignation on Tuesday, workers and leaders have been requesting him to continue in the post. His address to party workers, however, has clarified that Pawar is in no mood to do so and the 18-member committee announced by him will now be tasked with deciding the future course of the party.

In his address to workers, Pawar explained his political journey from 1960 and his career as a legislator for over five decades. “Even if I am not the party president, I pledge to remain active with Dalits, tribals, youth and women across the state. I will constantly be with party workers. My work will continue to establish a new leadership through common people,” he said.

Later in the day, addressing a press conference, senior NCP leader and RS MP Praful Patel too hinted that despite requests from the party leaders Sharad Pawar has not changed his decision yet. Throughout the day, a number of NCP leaders from Maharashtra as well as from outside the state visited Pawar at his residence Silver Oak and office at YB Chavan center. The party, however, did not hold any meeting to finalise the future course of action.