In presence of nephew, Sharad Pawar names Supriya Sule, Praful Patel as NCP working presidents

“I have been working alongside Pawar saheb since 1999. So, this is nothing new for me. Of course, I am happy at being elevated as Working President. I will continue to work to increase the footprint of the party,” Patel said. Pawar also made Patel party in-charge of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Goa, and Rajya Sabha.

Sule will be in charge of NCP affairs in Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, and issues related to women, youth, students and the Lok Sabha.

Last month, Pawar had offered to resign as the president of NCP but withdrew his decision after an 18-member committee of senior party leaders unanimously rejected it.

“Lok Maze Sangati (his autobiography) means people are my companions. And this is the real secret of my long and satisfying public life. I cannot disrespect their feelings. I am overwhelmed with the love, trust and faith showered on me. Considering the appeals made by all of you and honouring the decision of the committee constituted by the party, I am withdrawing my decision to retire,” Pawar had said.

Sharad Pawar (centre), flanked by Chhagan Bhujbal (left) and Praful Patel (right) at the 25th anniversary of NCP today. (Express photo)

“Even though I am continuing in the post of president, I am of the clear opinion that there has to be a succession plan for any post or responsibility in the organisation. In future, I will focus on making organisational changes in the party, assigning new responsibilities, creating new leadership,” he had added.

Speaking about the decision to appoint Sule and Patel as the working presidents, NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said: “They have been made the working presidents so that the election work and Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha work can be divided. They have been allotted more responsibilities on their shoulders because the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are round the corner.”

Reacting to this, BJP’s leader in state legislative council Pravin Darekar said, “It is clear that Sharad Pawar has chosen his daughter Supriya Sule to lead the party. Be it in the NCP or the general public, everyone looked up to Ajit Pawar as the second in command as he has worked hard to build the organisation.”

He added: “However, Sharad Pawar preferred Supriya Sule as his political heir. This is bound to make Ajit Pawar very upset.”

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