Sharad Pawar steps down as NCP chief, calls for new generation to lead party

Sharad Pawar steps down as NCP Chief

On Tuesday, Sharad Pawar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, announced that he would step down from his position, paving the way for a new generation to lead the party. In an official statement, Pawar stated that a committee of NCP members will be formed to determine the party president's election.

Pawar's decision comes amid rumours about his nephew, Ajit Pawar. He is one of the country's top Opposition leaders and has played a vital role in holding together the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which includes the NCP, the Congress, and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction).

Looking back at his political journey, which began on May 1, 1960, Pawar remarked that "this entire journey of being in public life...has continued unabated for the past 63 years." He also said that he will concentrate on Maharashtra and India-related concerns in various capacities during his remaining three years of Rajya Sabha membership in Parliament, but will not take on any responsibility.

Pawar stated that "it is necessary to take a step back."