Image Credit: By Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (GODL-India), GODL-India
Sharad Pawar Hints at Retirement After Rajya Sabha Term Ends
Veteran Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar, 83, has hinted he may retire from politics after his current term in the Rajya Sabha, which ends in 18 months.
Speaking at Baramati, his political stronghold in Maharashtra, Pawar reflected on his long career, acknowledging the support of his constituency, which helped him secure victories as both an MP and MLA over the years. “I am not in power… and my tenure in the Rajya Sabha has one-and-a-half years left. (After that) I will not contest any election in the future. (I) will have to stop somewhere…” he said, hinting at the potential conclusion of his political journey.
A Historic Battle for Baramati
This election marks a significant moment for Baramati, where Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew Yugendra Pawar is set to challenge his nephew Ajit Pawar, who led a factional split within the NCP. Ajit, who has previously represented Baramati as an MLA five times with the NCP’s support, will be contesting under a new banner for the first time. This election is widely seen as a referendum on Sharad Pawar’s enduring influence, especially given Ajit Pawar’s alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after his high-profile rebellion.
Despite the family rivalry, Sharad Pawar struck a conciliatory tone, stating, “I have no grudge against him (Ajit Pawar) … he led you for nearly 30 years…” He also emphasized the need for new leadership, positioning Yugendra Pawar as a potential successor. “Now it is time for me to prepare a young (and) dynamic leadership… which can take over for the next 30 years,” Pawar senior said, indicating a generational shift.
Pawar’s Past and Possible Future in Maharashtra Politics
Speculation about Sharad Pawar’s retirement has circulated for some time, fueled by Ajit Pawar’s comments earlier this year suggesting that some leaders “simply refuse to retire.” Ajit had previously criticized his uncle’s decision to stay in leadership despite age, remarking, “People should stop after reaching a certain age… but some are not ready… even after turning 80.”
In response, Sharad Pawar famously retorted, “Na tired hu, na retired hu” (“I am neither tired nor retired”), a line borrowed from the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, underscoring his continued dedication. In May last year, amid internal tensions within the NCP, Pawar briefly announced his resignation as party chief, a decision later overturned by senior leaders who unanimously urged him to continue.
With the Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20, Pawar’s retirement hint adds another layer to the political dynamics. The upcoming election will not only test the NCP’s influence but could also reshape the future leadership within one of Maharashtra’s most prominent political families.
