The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, split in July 2023 after his nephew Ajit Pawar joined the then Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government; the party name and its clock symbol was given to the Ajit Pawar faction, while the one headed by the former Union agriculture minister was christened NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar)
Jayant Patil. File Pic/Rane Ashish
NCP (SP) Maharashtra president Jayant Patil on Tuesday hinted at stepping down from the post in the presence of party chief Sharad Pawar, triggering an emotional reaction from workers who urged him to continue, reported news agency PTI.
It is important for the party to give a chance to new faces, Patil said at an event held at Balgandharva Auditorium in Pune on the Nationalist Congress Party's 26th foundation day.
Sharad Pawar, who founded the NCP, was present on the dais.
"Pawar saheb gave me a lot of opportunities. I was entrusted with the responsibility for seven years, but now it is important for the party to give a chance to new faces," Patil said, triggering a strong reaction from party workers who opposed his decision, reported PTI.
Amid their emotional appeal, Patil, in a voice choked with emotions, requested the workers to calm down.
"This party belongs to Pawar saheb, and hence, he should take an appropriate decision. We all have a long journey ahead. I thank Pawar saheb and all the party workers," Patil said, concluding his speech as Pawar looked on, reported PTI.
The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, split in July 2023 after his nephew Ajit Pawar joined the then Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government.
The party name and its clock symbol was given to the Ajit Pawar faction, while the one headed by the former Union agriculture minister was christened NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
Never thought NCP would split: Sharad Pawar
Meanwhile, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said they never thought the Nationalist Congress Party, co-founded by him 26 years ago, would suffer a split and appreciated workers of his outfit for taking it ahead despite challenges, reported PTI.
Pawar was speaking here at an event marking the 26th foundation day of the NCP, which split in 2023.
"...the party faced some challenges, but you, without getting discouraged, continue to take the party ahead. A split took place in the party. We never thought that a split would take place in the party but it happened," he said, reported PTI.
"Some people went with other ideologies and this split widened. I do not want to talk about it today. But those who remained loyal to the party, it was because of our party's ideology," Pawar said, reported PTI.
A different picture will prevail in the coming elections, he added.
The NCP split in July 2023 after Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar joined the then Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government.
The party name and its clock symbol was given to the Ajit Pawar faction, while the one headed by the former Union agriculture minister was christened NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
(With inputs from PTI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
