NCP committee unanimously rejects Sharad Pawar's resignation as party chief

Two days after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and senior Maharashtra politician Sharad Pawar announced his intention to quit, an 18-member committee created by him rejected his resignation on Friday.

The 18-member committee was formed by Sharad Pawar to name the new national president of the party. NCP spokespersons proposed to party leader Praful Patel that Sharad Pawar continue as president. "We can make working presidents, but Sharad Pawar should be president," they said.

"The state, party, and country all need you right now. You are the foundation of this party. You are a respected leader in the country. Your influence can be felt throughout the state," stated top NCP leader Praful Patel following the meeting.

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"We reject his resignation unanimously. The party wants him to stay as President. When we had gone to Punjab, even the farmers in the northern state had expressed their gratitude towards Pawar for his contributions," said Patel in Mumbai, indicating Sharad Pawar’s popularity not just in Maharashtra, but across India. 

"Several leaders, including myself, met with Pawar Saheb and repeatedly asked him to reconsider his decision because the country and party needed him at this time. Not only NCP leaders, but also other party leaders and prominent figures, have asked him to continue as party chief," Patel added.

As soon as the announcement was made, NCP workers burst firecrackers outside party office. The Nationalist Congress Party has been in a state of shock ever since Pawar suddenly announced his decision to step down as NCP president on May 2. 

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