Sharad Pawar, the influential leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has raised the possibility of retiring from parliamentary politics, leaving many to wonder about the future of his long-standing political career. Speaking at an election rally in Baramati, Maharashtra, on Tuesday, Pawar who is 84 years old suggested that he may not seek re-election to the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament, when his current term ends in approximately 18 months.
Pawar’s remarks come at a significant juncture for both him and the NCP, with the party gearing up for crucial Assembly elections. The upcoming November 20 vote in Maharashtra marks a high-stakes contest, particularly between Pawar’s grandnephew, Yugendra Pawar, and his nephew, Ajit Pawar, the current Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The comments also hold weight given Sharad Pawar’s pivotal role in the state’s politics and his influence as a leading Opposition figure on the national stage, especially in the wake of the split between the NCP and Shiv Sena earlier this year.
Addressing his supporters in Baramati, Pawar reflected on his long political journey and his connection to the region. “You have made me the chief minister not once or twice, but four times,” he said, recalling his leadership in the state and his 25 years of service to Baramati before moving to broader state and national roles. He spoke with pride about his role in empowering Ajit Pawar and entrusting him with the region’s local political leadership. “I handed over all local powers to Ajit dada, entrusting him with decisions, to plan for programmes and elections for local bodies, sugar, and milk bodies,” he added.
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However, Pawar also acknowledged that it was time for the next generation to take charge. “Now, it’s time to prepare for the future. We need to groom leadership that will work for the next 30 years,” he said, stressing the importance of fresh leadership in Baramati’s long-term development. He emphasized that he had never held anyone back from rising to positions of power, suggesting that the region’s political future lies in the hands of younger leaders.
Although Sharad Pawar stated that he wasn’t directly asking for votes, he indicated that the election in Baramati would be particularly tough due to the internal family contest. This comes on the heels of the earlier Lok Sabha elections, where Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra, contested against Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule, for the Baramati seat. Supriya Sule won by a significant margin, but the family rivalry remains a prominent feature of the upcoming elections.
Sharad Pawar’s comments have sent ripples through political circles, with many speculating about his future role in the NCP and Maharashtra politics at large. While his hints at retirement signal a shift, it remains to be seen if this is a definitive end to his parliamentary career or if he will continue to play a behind-the-scenes role in shaping the state’s political landscape. With elections looming and Pawar’s leadership in question, his next steps will be closely monitored by political analysts and his supporters alike.
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