Sharad Pawar says can't disrespect sentiments but clear about having 'succession plan'

MUMBAI: Sharad Pawar on Friday declared he was withdrawing his resignation in view of appeals made by colleagues and to honour the decision of the committee set up by him for election of the new NCP president.
In a one-page statement, Pawar stressed the need for a succession plan for any post in the organization. He also gave clear indications that he will revamp the party organization at all levels.

For the first time, Pawar, when announcing he was staying on as NCP chief, was flanked by young legislators Rohit Pawar and Sangram Jagtap and Nationalist Youth Congress office-bearers Sonia Duhan ad Dhiraj Sharma.
In the morning, an NCP worker from Bhiwandi, Amit Jha, tried to immolate himself outside Y B Chavan Centre but he was stopped by other NCP activists. A case of attempted suicide was lodged against him by MRA Marg police.
Pawar told a media conference in the evening, "On May 2, at the release of my autography, 'Lok Maze Sangati,' I announced my decision to resign... My decision evoked strong sentiments amongst people, party workers, my colleagues were disheartened... Everyone asked me to reconsider... In addition, senior politicians from across the country persuaded me to change the decision... 'Lok Maze Sangati' means people are my companions. This is the real secret of my long and satisfying public life, I cannot disrespect their feelings. Considering the appeals made by all of you and honouring the decision of the committee set up by the party, I am withdrawing my decision to resign."
Pawar said though he will continue as NCP president, he is clear in his mind that there must be a succession plan for any post or responsibility in the organization. "In future, I will focus on making organizational changes in the party, assigning new responsibilities, creating new leadership. I will also work vigorously for the growth of the organization and take our ideology and goals of the party to the people," he said. Pawar said several national leaders including Rahul Gandhi, M K Stalin and Sitaram Yechury had spoken to him or to his daughter Supriya Sule and urged him to reconsider his decision.
He said there is no plan before him to create the post of working president or any other similar post. On Ajit Pawar, who was not present during the press briefing, the NCP chief said, "When I decided to quit, I specifically informed him," Referring to reports that Ajit had gone to Delhi recently to meet BJP leaders, he said, "Ajit never went to Delhi in the recent past."
Stating there was no threat to MVA, Pawar described as baseless speculation that a section of NCP leaders may join hands with rivals. "There is no substance in such reports, NCP is intact," he said.
When Pawar announced his decision to quit, he had set up a jumbo panel led by Praful Patel to decide on the new president. The panel met on Friday at the party HQ in South Mumbai and passed a one-line resolution, saying Pawar's resignation be rejected outright and urged him to lead the party. Accompanied by all panel members, Patel met Pawar at his residence.