Took decision to quit as NCP chief for party's future, Sharad Pawar tells protesting workers

NEW DELHI: Two days after resigning as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president, Sharad Pawar on Thursday met protesting party workers in Mumbai and said that he took the decision for the "future of the party".
"I believe that there should be a new face for NCP. A committee has been formed and they will take a final decision soon," Pawar told party workers who have been protesting against his decision to step down.
"I respect your sentiments. I should have discussed my plans with all of you and taken you into confidence. But I know you wouldn't have allowed me to take the decision (of stepping down as party chief)," the former Union minister told his supporters.
He said some party colleagues from outside Maharashtra will meet him on Friday to discuss the issue.
"I will take a final decision in one or two days," he said.
As emotions ran high among his supporters, Pawar tried to pacify them outside the YB Chavan Centre.
On Tuesday, Ajit Pawar had said that his uncle will need two to three days to "think over" his decision amid massive protests by party workers who were crestfallen after the announcement.
NCP panel to meet on May 5
Meanwhile, a committee formed by Sharad Pawar to decide on his successor will meet on Friday, a senior NCP leader said on Thursday.
The meeting will take place at 11 am at the party office in south Mumbai, the leader said.
The committee members include Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule, his nephew Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, among others.
Pawar on Tuesday dropped a bombshell by saying he is stepping down as chief of the NCP which he founded and helmed since 1999. He added that he is not, however, retiring from public life.
Political circles are abuzz with speculation on whether the next NCP president will be from the Pawar family - daughter Supriya Sule or nephew Ajit Pawar - or any other party leader.
NCP workers and party leaders have demanded that Sharad Pawar reconsider his decision.
Ajit Pawar on Tuesday said his uncle will need two to three days to "think over" his decision.
NCP's national vice president Praful Patel on Wednesday said Sharad Pawar has not relented despite repeated appeals from party leaders and supporters that he withdraw his decision to step down,
(With inputs from agencies)
Watch Watch: How NCP workers, leaders reacted after Sharad Pawar stepped down