NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad quits General Secretary post day after Sharad Pawar resigns

Senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Jitendra Awhad resigned from his post as National General Secretary on Wednesday, a day after veteran politician Sharad Pawar resigned as president of the NCP.

"I have resigned from my post of National General Secretary and I have sent my resignation to NCP chief Sharad Pawar. All office bearers of Thane NCP have also resigned after Sharad Pawar's decision to resign from the post of party chief," Jitendra Awhad told ANI.

In a surprising turn of events, Sharad Pawar announced that he is stepping down as the chief of NCP, the political outfit he founded in 1999.

"I have three years left of Rajya Sabha membership in Parliament, during which I will focus on issues related to Maharashtra and India, with a caveat of not taking any responsibility. After a long period of public life from May 1, 1960, to May 1, 2023, it is necessary to take a step back. Hence, I have decided to step down as the president of the Nationalist Congress Party," Pawar said.

Soon after Pawar's announcement party workers broke down and urged that the octogenarian leader to reconsider his move.

A few party functionaries even tendered their resignations on the spot to put pressure on the 82-year-old politician, while some workers suggested that a working president be appointed.

"I am with you, but not as NCP chief, " Pawar told emotional party workers opposing his resignation.