SharadPawar drops bombshell, steps down as NCP president

Senior Maharashtra politician SharadPawar today dropped a bombshell as he announced his resignation as chief of the Nationalist Congress Party, redoubling speculation about his nephew AjitPawar drifting towards the BJP. Pawar also announced a panel of senior party leaders to plan the way forward.

The four-time Maharashtra chief minister made the surprise announcement with nephew AjitPawar by his side. Top NCP leader and RajyaSabha memberPraful Patel said SharadPawar did not take anyone into confidence before announcing his resignation. Pawar's big move comes amid intense buzz around AjitPawar, a former Deputy Chief Minister, warming up to the BJP.

SharadPawar steps down as NCP President

➤Top NCP leaders say Sharad failed to take anyone in confidence

➤Speculations double down on AjitPawar warming up to BJP

➤Pawar sets up senior panel to plan way forward

In light of the major development in Maharastra, NCP State President Jose Felipe had this to say.

Cannot accept Sharad’s reason of age behind resignation

➤Sharad is a key leader in the NCP

➤We still want SharadPawar to lead NCP

➤SharadPawar gave NCP value

➤Even leaders like Praful Patel need SharadPawar