Sharad Pawar, the 83-year-old founder of the NCP, signalled on Tuesday that he plans to retire from politics. With only 18 months remaining in his Rajya Sabha tenure, he announced he wouldn’t run in any more elections, indicating he may leave active politics once his term ends.
Known as a veteran of Maharashtra politics, Pawar established the NCP in 1999. At an election rally in Baramati, a region closely linked to the Pawar family and known locally as the “Gard,” he outlined his intentions.
The assembly elections on November 20 will bring a “Pawar vs. Pawar” face-off in Baramati.Sharad Pawar has nominated his grandson to contest against Ajit Pawar, who has now allied with the BJP. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar’s nephew is contesting under Sharad Pawar’s NCP.
While campaigning, Sharad Pawar publicly spoke about his retirement plans. He remarked, “I am not in power. My Rajya Sabha term ends in a year and a half, and I will not stand for any more elections after that. Everyone has a time to step back.”
He thanked the people of Baramati for supporting him as an MP and MLA over 14 terms. Having been active in politics for six decades, Pawar’s NCP has now aligned with Congress and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena to contest the Maharashtra assembly elections.
Sharad Pawar still holds influence in Baramati, where his daughter Supriya Sule won a Lok Sabha seat. Ajit Pawar’s wife also contested here but lost. Now, Pawar’s grandson Yugendra holds the NCP ticket for Baramati in the upcoming assembly race, where he will face Ajit Pawar.
Sharad Pawar played down the “power vs. power” rivalry in Baramati. He said, “I don’t feel any jealousy towards Ajit Pawar; he has led here for 30 years. But it’s time to prepare a young, dynamic leadership.”
He added, “Young leaders will guide Baramati for the next 30 years. I’m not here to ask for your votes; the Pawar family has always had your support, and we hope you continue to support us. But we need to look ahead, to think about the future.”