Maharashtra assembly election: The veteran politician and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, Sharad Pawar, 84, hinted at a possible exit from Rajya Sabha during a recent gathering in Baramati. He mentioned that he will need to consider whether to seek another term in the Rajya Sabha once his current term concludes, which still has a year and a half remaining. This potential exit from Parliamentary politics by Sharad Pawar could have a significant impact on Maharashtra’s political landscape as the NCP gears up for the upcoming state assembly election. Party leaders and supporters have been closely monitoring his public addresses for any hints regarding his long-term plans, especially considering his influential role in Maharashtra’s political scene for over five decades.
During the event in Baramati, Sharad Pawar was campaigning for his grandnephew, NCP (SP) candidate Yugendra Pawar, who is set to compete against his uncle Ajit Pawar in the November 20 assembly election. While acknowledging Ajit Pawar’s contributions to Baramati, Sharad Pawar emphasized the need for new leadership in the region to drive development over the next three decades. He highlighted the challenging contest for the Baramati Lok Sabha seat earlier this year, where Supriya Sule emerged victorious against Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar.
Reflecting on his past involvement in the region, Sharad Pawar expressed gratitude to the people of Baramati for their support over the years. He recalled his tenure as chief minister and the transition of local powers to Ajit Pawar, acknowledging the latter’s work in the region for 25 to 30 years. However, Pawar emphasized the importance of preparing for the future by nurturing leadership that can drive progress for the next 30 years. He encouraged giving opportunities to new leaders and subtly critiqued the notion of someone claiming to take everything for themselves. Despite not actively seeking votes in recent times, Sharad Pawar expressed confidence in the continued support of the people of Baramati.
As Sharad Pawar contemplates his future in Parliamentary politics, his potential retirement from the Rajya Sabha could mark a significant turning point in Maharashtra’s political arena. The NCP, under his leadership, will need to navigate this transition while grooming new leaders to carry forward his legacy and vision for the state. The upcoming state assembly election will likely be a critical juncture for the party and its supporters, as they prepare for a post-Sharad Pawar era in Maharashtra politics.
