Tears, pleas and agitation: NCP netas turn emotional

MUMBAI: After party founder Sharad Pawar quietly delivered his retirement bombshell, a momentary hush descended on the stunned audience. Party workers rushed towards the stage and senior leaders became emotional. Former ministers Jayant Patil and Jitendra Awhad, known to be close to him, broke down while appealing to Pawar to stay on.
Pawar sat on the stage at the YB Chavan auditorium with his wife, the composed Pratibha, by his side. Jayant Patil and his nephew and senior leader Ajit Pawar were seated next to him. Pawar's daughter, Supriya Sule, sat silently in the audience.
As Jayant Patil rose to speak, he was so overcome with tears he had to sit down. "Till now we ask for votes in his name. If he goes, how will we go in front of the people?" asked Patil. "He has no right to do this. It is important for Pawarsaheb to remain in this post for the people of the state and the country."
Chhagan Bhujbal was strident: "We do not accept the retirement or the (selection) committee. You are our leader and our committee."
Patil broke down several times during his speech. "Take all our resignations and choose new leaders. We are used to working in your shade. If you stay, we stay," he said. "Let those who want to run the party, do so."
Referring to Pawar's recent speech hinting at the need to create new leadership, he added: "You had said it is time to rotate the 'bhakri' or it will burn. But no one has your image in the country."
Senior leader Jitendra Awhad started sobbing as he said: "Our life has become meaningless. There are so many problems ahead of us. Who do we go to?" Stating that the state had not seen such a progressive leader, he added: "Your age is not an issue. I have seen you campaigning in 2004 in Nagpur, covered in blood. You are in better health today." He further said: "Once I meet you, my next ten days are peaceful."
The daughters of jailed NCP leader Nawab Malik also appealed to Pawar to reconsider. "Our father is in jail and you have taken his place in his absence. You have supported us and we want you to continue standing in his place," they said.
Finally, Pawar left the venue but party workers tried to obstruct his car. Then, they sat and chanted slogans outside the centre till the evening.