Sharad Pawar Lauds Nephew Ajit Pawar in Baramati, Says 'He Has Done a Lot for NCP'

Pune, May 6: A day after Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar decided to continue in his post, he patted his nephew and Leader of Opposition (Assembly) Ajit Pawar on their home turf of Baramati, here on Saturday.

Accorded a hero's welcome with garlands, bouquets and shawls by the constituents and party workers, a relaxed Pawar admitted that he had given a hint to Ajit Pawar of his plans (to step down as NCP chief), which had created a major political upheaval in the party and outside from May 2. Sharad Pawar Takes U-Turn and Withdraws His Resignation, To Continue as NCP President.

"However, his (Ajit's) image is being unnecessarily sullied... He is a result-oriented person and so at times he speaks less. That seems to create misunderstandings," said Pawar, 83, while addressing the local media.

On Ajit Pawar skipping the media conference on Friday, Pawar said that "he is very much with the party and the people... don't read too much into his absence... he has contributed a lot to the party."

Nevertheless, Pawar reiterated that he will prepare a succession plan for the 24-year-old NCP, but the immediate focus would be on the 2024 Lok Sabha and the Assembly elections. NCP Chief Sharad Pawar Refutes Speculations of Disintegration in Party; Also Says ‘If Anybody Wants To Leave, Nobody Can Stop Them’.

The four-time former Chief Minister and a minister at the Centre, also expressed his commitment to "bring together and unite all like-minded parties for the parliamentary elections" next year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 06, 2023 09:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).