Sharad Pawar, a towering figure in Maharashtra politics for more than six decades, signaled on Tuesday that he plans to step away from electoral politics. The 83-year-old leader announced he would no longer contest in future elections and would instead focus on mentoring the next generation of leaders. Pawar indicated that the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls may be his last major political involvement before retiring from active politics.
Reflecting on a Legacy of Public Service
At a campaign meeting in Baramati for his grandnephew Yugendra Pawar, Pawar said, “I am not in power. I am in Rajya Sabha for another one and a half years, but after that, I will have to decide. I will not contest Lok Sabha. I will not contest any election.” Pawar also expressed a sense of closure, saying, “I have contested 14 times, and I never lost. But I will have to stop somewhere. I want to bring the new generation forward and work with this principle.”
Pawar emphasized that stepping back from politics does not mean he’s ending his commitment to social work. “I will keep serving and working for the people,” he stated, affirming his commitment to public service.
A Political Stalwart with Cross-Party Admiration
With a reputation for political acumen, Pawar has admirers across party lines. Over his career, he served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister four times and held crucial Union Cabinet portfolios like Defence and Agriculture during the UPA regime. In 1999, he founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which later faced a split in 2023 when his nephew Ajit Pawar formed a separate faction.
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“Neither Tired Nor Retired” — A Shift in Stance
Pawar’s decision comes a year after he dismissed retirement rumors, quipping that he was “neither tired nor retired” in response to his nephew’s suggestion to step back from politics due to his age. Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with Maharashtra, Pawar reminded supporters, “You have made me the Chief Minister not once or twice, but four times. I worked here for 25 years before moving on to work for Maharashtra. Now, it’s time to prepare for the future.”
Preparing Future Leadership
In his Baramati address, Pawar reiterated the need to groom new leaders who could carry forward his vision for the next 30 years. His focus now, he says, is on nurturing future political talent to ensure Maharashtra continues to progress.
