Sharad Pawar had founded and helmed the NCP since 1999 (File)
Senior Maharashtra politician Sharad Pawar has stepped down as the president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). But he isn't retiring from public life yet, he clarified. His surprise announcement was met with protests by party workers who demanded him to withdraw his decision.
Mr Pawar, who is one of the country's top Opposition leaders, had founded and helmed the party since 1999. There has been no announcement yet on who will succeed him as the party boss.
Here are the Live Updates on Sharad Pawar Stepping Down As NCP Chief:
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Sanjay Raut likens Sharad Pawar's decision to step down to Bal Thackeray’s 'resignation' As Sharad Pawar on Tuesday announced that he had decided to step down as the NCP chief, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut called him the "soul of Maharashtra politics" and likened his decision to the 'resignation' of Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
Taking to Twitter, Mr Raut said, "Fed up by dirty Politics and allegations, Shivsena Supremo Balasaheb Thackeray too had resigned as the Shivsena Pramukh. History seems to have repeated itself... But owing to the love of Shivsainiks he had to withdraw his decision...Like Balasaheb , Pawar Saheb too is the soul of the State's politics." Raut's party Shiv Sena (UBT) is a constituent of the Maha Vikas Aghadi that also comprises NCP and the Congress.
"Sharad Pawar Must Have Plan For Future": Congress' Tariq Anwar On His Resignation
Sharad Pawar must have a plan for the future, his former associate and senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar said today, soon after the Maratha strongman announced his resignation as Nationalist Congress Party chief. Mr Anwar, who was a co-founder of the NCP along with Mr Pawar, said he does not take any decision without thinking it through. (PTI)
Sharad Pawar Leaves For Home, Top NCP Leaders To Meet Him There
Sharad Pawar has left for his residence in south Mumbai and top NCP leaders are set to meet him there, reported news agency PTI.
NCP Workers Demand Supriya Sule To Speak To Sharad Pawar. Ajit Pawar Says...While other leaders are still requesting Sharad Pawar to reconsider his decision to resign as the NCP chief, his nephew Ajit Pawar suggested his daughter Supriya Sule not to speak anything, reports news agency ANI. "I am her elder brother. That is why I suggested her so," said Ajit Pawar. NCP workers are demanding that Supriya Sule should speak to her father Sharad Pawar.
"Next NCP Chief Will Work Under Sharad Pawar's Guidance": Ajit Pawar
Next president of NCP will work under Sharad Pawar's guidance, says nephew Ajit Pawar, reports news agency PTI. He said Mr Pawar was to announce resignation on May 1, but put it off due to a rally of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition.
"I Am With You": Sharad Pawar To Protesting Party WorkersI am with you, but not as NCP chief: Sharad Pawar to party workers opposing his resignation, reports news agency PTI.
NCP leader Jayant Patil breaks down after party chief Sharad Pawar announces that he will step down as party president.
Praful Patel On Sharad Pawar's Resignation As NCP President
Sharad Pawar did not take anyone into confidence before announcing resignation, says NCP leader Praful Patel: news agency PTI
Ajit Pawar On Sharad Pawar's Resignation As NCP President
Sharad Pawar will abide by the decision of NCP committee on his resignation, says NCP leader Ajit Pawar: news agency PTI
NCP Workers Protest Sharad Pawar's Decision To Step Down As Party ChiefSharad Pawar's sudden announcement came at a book launch of his autobiography at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratisthan. His decision which was met with protests by NCP workers and leaders. Mr Pawar also announced a panel of senior party leaders to draw a future course
of action. Party workers and leaders, however, demanded that Mr Pawar withdraw his decision. They threatened not to leave the venue unless he rescind his decision.
Watch: Sharad Pawar Announces His Decision To Resign As NCP Chief
Video: Sharad Pawar's Supporters Protest His Decision To Step Down As NCP Chief