NCP 'succession' saga ends with Sharad Pawar back in the top post

NEW DELHI: Three days after Sharad Pawar suddenly announced his resignation as president of the Nationalist Congress Party -- which he founded and headed since 1999 -- the octogenarian on Friday said he was "taking back" his decision, much to the delight of party workers and leaders.

"I can't disrespect your sentiments. Due to your love, I am respecting the demand that was made to me to withdraw my resignation and the resolution that was passed by senior NCP leaders. I withdraw my decision to step down as the national president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)," Pawar said at a press conference.

The decision ends three days of intense political drama and has left political experts wondering what the senior politician achieved.
Here is a timeline of the succession saga:
Decision shocks party
Speaking at a book launch of his updated autobiography at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratisthan in Mumbai on May 2, Pawar turned a run-of-the-mill event into national news when he suddenly announced that he would be stepping down as NCP chief.
“I have decided to step down as the president of the Nationalist Congress Party,” he said, adding that a panel senior party leaders will decide future course of action.

The unexpected announcement was greeted with shock and disbelief, with some NCP workers breaking down. Senior party leaders Jayant Patil and Jitendra Awhad could be seen breaking down in front of Sharad Pawar. Meanwhile, NCP MP Praful Patel beseeched Pawar to withdraw his decision.
Patel said Pawar did not take anyone into confidence before announcing his resignation. "We have requested Sharad Pawar with folded hand to withdraw the decision. I request him to withdraw the decision on behalf of all. The state and the country need his leadership," Patel said.
Pawar agrees to rethink move
Hours after announcing that he will quit as NCP chief, Sharad Pawar told top party leaders that he will rethink his decision.

"He (Sharad Pawar) has said he has made his decision, but he will need two-three days to think it over on account of your insistence. But he will think it over only when all workers go home," Ajit Pawar told party workers at the premises of the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan.
The development comes after several top NCP leaders urged Sharad Pawar to continue as the party president.
Ajit Pawar supports uncle
Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar, supported the latter's decision to step down from the post.

"Pawar sahab himself had said about the necessity of change in the guard a few days ago. we should see his decision in the light of his age and health also. Everyone has to take a decision according to time, Pawar saheb has taken a decision and he won't take it back," Ajit Pawar said, urging party workers and leaders not to get emotional.
Earlier too, Ajit had endorsed Sharad Pawar's view that it was the right time to promote new leadership in the party.
Took decision for future of party: Pawar
Two days after after resigning, Sharad Pawar on May 4 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 had 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.
Party panel rejects NCP chief's resignation
An NCP panel formed to choose the next party president announced on May 5 that it had unanimously rejected Sharad Pawar's decision to step down.
Former Shiv Sena Lok Sabha MP Anand Paranjpe, who later joined the NCP, said: "Pawar saheb has to accept the committee's resolution."

Announcing the panel's decision, senior NCP leader Praful Patel said: "We requested (Sharad) Pawar saheb to consider the NCP committee's resolution (which rejected his decision of stepping down as party chief). He (Pawar) has asked for more time and will convey his decision."
"Pawar saheb is a respected leader in the country. There was a strong response against Pawar's decision. The emotions cannot be ignored," Patel said.
Sharad Pawar takes back resignation
Three days after he suddenly resigned as NCP chief, Sharad Pawar on Friday just as suddenly took back his decision.
"I can't disrespect your sentiments. Due to your love, I am respecting the demand that was made to me to withdraw my resignation and the resolution that was passed by senior NCP leaders. I withdraw my decision to step down as the national president of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)," Pawar said at a press conference.
Earlier in the day, an NCP panel formed to choose the next party president announced that it had unanimously rejected Sharad Pawar's decision to step down.

"The committee took this decision and after their decision, I took my decision back," said the NCP chief.
Sharad Pawar said he would work for the NCP with "renewed vigour" and added that there has to be succession plan in place for the party. "I will focus on making organisational changes in the party".
He added that his daughter Supriya Sule had also not agreed to take the helm of the party.
(With inputs from agencies)Watch NCP supremo Sharad Pawar takes back resignation