Sharad Pawar steps down as NCP chief: Party workers demand withdrawal of decision, leaders break down

He further said that three years of his Rajya Sabha tenure remain, after which he will not contest elections. Pawar, whose statements hold sway over the political developments in the state, said he started his career on May 1, 1960 and thanked the people for standing by him firmly for over 60 years.

After Sharad Pawar’s announcement, NCP leaders and workers attending the program rose from their seats and raised slogans demanding that he withdraw his decision. While many surrounded the podium, others stood adamant on leaving the venue only after the decision of Pawar stepping down is overturned. “We do not accept saheb’s decision. We urge you to withdraw it. We will not move until you do it,” leaders said.

NCP leaders and workers in the audience raised an uproar and demanded that Sharad Pawar withdraws his decision on stepping down as the party chief.

As chaos ensued, Ajit Pawar walked to the podium and asked workers to return to their sets, to no avail. “Saheb has taken note of your (workers’) emotions. He has said that a committee will decide future course of action. The committee will take the right decision and I assure you of that,” Ajit Pawar said.

Meanwhile, many of the leaders on stage with Sharad Pawar, including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, PC Chacko, Narhari Zirwal, Supriya Sule, Jayant Patil, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse-Patil, Anil Deshmukh, Rajesh Tope, Jitendra Awhad, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde and Jaydev Gaikwad, broke down after the NCP chief announced his decision.

An emotional Jayant Patil said, “He remaining on top is important not only for state but for the country. This sudden decision cannot be taken, he has no right to take such decision. We need his experience even today. You can take resignations of us all. Shape the party the manner in which you want. But don’t leave the party. We cannot work without you.”