By 'quitting', Sharad Pawar managed to put off rebellion: NCP neta

MUMBAI: NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday altered his decision and decided to stay on at the helm of the party. An NCP ex-minister said notwithstanding Pawar's categorical statement that there was no substance to speculation that Ajit was going to quit the party, it was quite clear in political circles that a section of NCP legislators led by Ajit were in the process of raising a banner of revolt.
"Rebellion has been on the cards in the NCP, and when it will take place is a question of time. When Pawar quit, the entire rank and file of the party rallied around him. In fact, his decision to quit and withdraw the resignation in four days strengthened the organisation at all levels. In our opinion, Pawar has succeeded in quelling the rebellion and ending rumours," the leader said.
Ajit Pawar himself had dismissed speculation that he was going to leave the NCP. On Friday evening, Ajit said Pawar's decision to withdraw his resignation would energise party workers and strengthen the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
Sharad Pawar said on Friday that there must be a succession plan for any post or responsibility in the organisation. "In future, I will focus on making organisational changes in the party, assigning new responsibilities, creating new leadership," he said.
Another NCP leader said opposition unity at the national level in view of the 2024 general elections was on top of Sharad Pawar's agenda and was one of the factors which influenced his decision to reverse his resignation move. NCP leaders felt if Pawar was not NCP chief, his importance in the task of bringing about opposition unity would be reduced.
Senior party leaders believe the fervent appeals made by leaders including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin and CPM leader Sitaram Yechury played a major role in Pawar's rethink.