Sharad Pawar withdraws resignation; to continue as NCP chief

Says he respects the feelings of party workers

PTI04-03-2020_000074B Sharad Pawar | PTI

After the Nationalist Congress Party panel, which was formed to choose the next party president, on Friday rejected Sharad Pawar's decision to quit as party chief, the veteran leader withdrew his resignation saying he respects the feelings of the party workers.

"I can't disrespect your sentiments. Due to your love, I am respecting the demand that was made to me to withdraw my resignation and the resolution that was passed by senior NCP leaders. I withdraw my decision to step down as the national president of," news agency ANI quoted Pawar as saying.

Sharad Pawar also promised to work for the party with renewed vigour. 

He further said there has to be a succession plan in the NCP and added that his focus will be on making organisational changes in the party.

When asked about the absence of Ajit Pawar at the press conference where the senior leader announced the decision to withdraw his resignation, Pawar said, "Others are here. Committee took this decision and after their decision, I took my decision back. All are united and discussed this. Senior leaders are there in the committee."

After the NCP panel had rejected Pawar's decision, party workers had busrt into celebrations, raising slogans Ekach saheb (there is only one boss).

Pawar, on Tuesday, sprang a surprise by announcing his decision to quit as president of the party he founded and headed since 1999 when he left the Congress to chart his own political course.

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