Jayant Patil Hints at Stepping Down, Urges New Leadership in NCP

Pune, Jun 10 (PTI) - In a significant development within the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction, Maharashtra president Jayant Patil on Tuesday signaled his intention to step down from his position. This announcement was made in the presence of party founder Sharad Pawar, leading to an emotional response from party members who urged him to reconsider.

At the foundation day event of the Nationalist Congress Party, held at the Balgandharva Auditorium in Pune on the occasion of its 26th anniversary, Patil emphasized the necessity for the party to offer opportunities to new leaders. "Pawar saheb gave me numerous opportunities," Patil stated, acknowledging his seven-year tenure. "But now, it's crucial for the party to allow new faces to step forward," he added, prompting an intense reaction from the party's supporters.

The crowd's emotional appeals were met with a heartfelt response from Patil, whose voice was laden with emotion as he requested calm from his dedicated followers. "This party belongs to Pawar saheb, and he should make the appropriate decision," Patil emphasized. He expressed his gratitude, stating, "We all have a long journey ahead. I thank Pawar saheb and all the party workers," as Sharad Pawar observed.

The NCP, initially established by Sharad Pawar, experienced a significant split in July 2023 when Pawar's nephew, Ajit Pawar, aligned with the then Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government. Consequently, Ajit Pawar's faction acquired the party name and its clock symbol, while Sharad Pawar's group was named NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).