Sharad Pawar has announced his step down from the role of President of the National Congress Party. He reportedly said, "I have decided to stop working as the president of the NCP. I will continue working in the political, social and cultural life hence forth."
In his speech, Pawar reminds everyone about his journey in politics and the notable moments of his life. He started his speech going 63 years back in the past when he became a member of the party. He said, "On May 1, 1960, the state of Maharashtra was formed under the leadership of Yashwantrao Chavan Saheb, on the same day, I became a member of the Pune City Youth Congress." He began working at State Youth Congress and moved to Mumbai for the first time. He then says the work opportunity led him to receive a 'World Assembly Of Youth' scholarship and to be able to visit countries like Japan, Unites States Of America, Canada and Denmark.
Pawar then spoke about running for his first election and the election campaign. He said, "Due to my association with the State Youth Congress, I had cultivated a network of a large number of young colleagues who took over the responsibility of organising the campaign of my first election, and helped me get elected to the Assembly by a considerable margin, at the age of 27 years."
Sharad Pawar has been a public representative for 56 years now, he has served as a member of the State Assembly and of the Legislative Council, as well as a Member of Parliament in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Pawar mentions that only three years are left of his Rajya Sabha membership in Parliament, during which he wishes to focus on issues related to Maharashtra and India but not take much responsibility. He said, "After a long period of public life from May 1, 1960, to May 1, 2023, it is necessary to take a step back. Hence, I have decided to step down as President of the Nationalist Congress Party. However, I intend to do more in the fields of education, agriculture, cooperation, sports and culture, amongst others. I will also pay attention issues related to the Youth, Students, workers, Dalit’s, Tribal's and other weaker sections of the society."
Pawar further talked about the future of NCP as he said, "I am recommending that a committee of NCP members should be formed to decide on the election of the vacancy in the President's post. The committee should have the following members: Mr Praful Patel, Shri. Sunil Tatkare, Shri. K.K. Sharma, Shri. P.C. Chacko, Mr Ajit Pawar, Shri. Jayant Patil, Smt. Supriya Sule, Shri. Chhagan Bhujbal, Shri. Dilip Walse Patil, Shri. Anil Deshmukh, Mr Rajesh Tope, Mr Jitendra Awhad, Shri. Hasan Mushrif, Mr Dhananjay Munde, Shri. Jaydev Gaikwad and Ex-officio Member: Mrs Fauzia Khan, President, Nationalist Mahila Congress, Shri. Dheeraj Sharma, President, Nationalist Youth Congress; Sonia Duhan, President, Nationalist Youth Congress and Nationalist Students' Congress. This committee will decide on the president's selection."
Sharad Pawar ends his speech with a thank you note, as he said, "The love and trust of the people is my breath. There will be no separation from me or public retirement. I was with you; I am and will always be there till my last breath! So we'll keep meeting; Thank you!"
(this is a developing story. More updates awaited)
