Rama Krishna Sangem
Maratha strongman and veteran of Indian politics, Sharad Pawar returned as president of his brainchild Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), three days after he resigned He announced this decision after a party panel he set up on May 2, Tuesday to chose a new president, in his place. The panel rejected his decision and asked him to continue in tune with the mood of the party cadre and leaders.
Finally, Pawar, 82 has accepted the party cadre’s views and relented on his stand to step down paving way for next generation taking over the leadership role. The party panel led by former union minister Praful Patel collected views of party leaders and came to the conclusion that there is no other alternative to Pawar at this stage. At the best, the panel suggested that Pawar’s only daughter Supriya Sule, 54, can be made NCP working president.
However, Sule turned down that offer and preferred to remain as an MP. She represents Baramati Lok Sabha seat, long held by her father. This amicable resolution of a sort of crisis that gripped the 24 year old party for the last few days brought a happy ending many underlying issues that nag the party. Pawar told his leaders that he would henceforth work for opposition unity.
More problems await Pawar
But, Sharad Pawar will have to deal with more problems hereafter. Senior NCP leader and former deputy CM Ajit Pawar, nephew of Sharad Pawar is not happy with the way the entire resignation drama played out last few days. He was conspicuous by his absence when Sharad Pawar announced taking back of his resignation on May 5. When asked about it, Sharad Pawar simply said: “Don’t read too much into everything”.
But, everyone knows that the issue is not simple. Ajit Pawar and a few of his fellow legislators want to leave MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadhi) consisting of opposition Shiva Sena, Congress and NCP and join hands with BJP led government in Maharashtra. There are differences between Sena and NCP and Congress and NCP. At least 20 out of 52 NCP MLAs don’t want to continue with Congress led alliance, It will be a test of time for Sharad Pawar in coming days
