New Delhi: The Maratha strongman and chief of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar has taken back his decision of stepping down as the party chief.

“I cannot 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 Nationalist Congress Party (NCP),” said Pawar while speaking to media persons.

Ajit Pawar was absent

During the media interaction, Pawar was asked about the absence of senior leader Ajit Pawar there. To which, the NCP chief 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.”

It is worth noting that there were speculations that Ajit Pawar may take up the charge of the party after Sharad Pawar announced his resignation. Prior to that, there were rumors that Ajit Pawar may join Bharatiya Janata Party following alleged conflict with the party.

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: NCP chief Sharad Pawar when asked about the absence of Ajit Pawar at the press conference where he… pic.twitter.com/xAJslpyKUu

— ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2023

Ups and Downs

Following a roller-coaster ride for NCP in Maharastra politics, Sharad Pawar agreed to not resign from the chief’ post from the party that he founded in 1999. Pawar’s supporters across the state had experssed their concerns through protests and reportedly letters written with blood.

Earlier in the day, a core committee meeting of NCP rejected Pawar’s resignation and a proposal was passed urging senior leader Sharad Pawar to continue his role as chief.