Sharad Pawar still head of the family: Ajit Pawar

Moments after Sharad Pawar stepped down from his position as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, his nephew, Ajit Pawar said, his uncle will still be the head of the family.

"Sharad Pawar himself insisted on the need for a change in guard a few days back. We all must make a decision according to time. Pawar has made his decision in the light of his age and health and he won't take it back," Ajit Pawar said.

Photo Credit: Ajit Pawar

"We are a family. Sharad Pawar will abide by the decision of the NCP committee on his resignation. We will form the committee with unanimity. But please, take back your resignation. It's a humble request," he added.

"Don't worry, the next chief will be from the NCP family, be it myself or Supriya Sule," he remarked.

Sharad Pawar's decision to step down as NCP chief comes amid reports of rebellion within the party and Ajit Pawar's possible move to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The veteran leader made the announcement at the launch of his revised version of the autobiography which was met with protests by party workers and leaders who asked the octogenarian leader to take back his decision.

"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.

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