Sharad Pawar to Quit Politics? Here's What NCP Supremo Said Ahead of Maharashtra Polls

Maharashtra Elections 2024: Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly elections, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar , anunced on Tuesday that he will t be contesting any future elections. Addressing a rally during his Baramati tour for his grandson Yugendra Pawar's campaign, Sharad Pawar revealed that he would step away from electoral politics once his Rajya Sabha tenure concludes in 2026. 

"I have fought elections 14 times, and will think if I should detach or t from my parliamentary position after my Rajya Sabha tenure completes," Pawar said, adding, "I will t contest in Lok Sabha. I will t contest any election. So far you people have never let me go home during any election. Every time you have made me win, so I should stop somewhere. A new generation should be brought in."

83-year-old leader emphasized that while he would t seek re-election, his commitment to social work and serving people of Maharashtra, especially in rural and tribal areas, remains unwavering. "I have t left social work, I do t want power, but I have t stopped serving people," he added.

Pawar, who has served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister three times and has been a significant player in national politics for decades, made it clear that his decision to step back from electoral politics is a deliberate move to pave way for younger leadership. "I am t in power. I am in Rajya Sabha, and last one and a half years are left. I have already contested 14 elections, how many more shall I contest? w I think new generation should be given opportunity. I will continue to do social work, especially for rural and backward areas, Adivasis. To continue this work, I don't need any elections," he said.

Recalling his long political journey, Pawar remarked, "30 years ago, I decided to do only national politics and gave all responsibility of state to Ajit Pawar . For nearly 25 to 30 years, responsibility of state has been with him. w, arrangements have to be made for next 30 years."

Pawar’s anuncement comes at a time when Baramati, Pawar family's stronghold, is set to witness a high-profile political contest. His nephew, Yugendra Pawar, is facing off against seven-time MLA Ajit Pawar in a rare family showdown for Baramati Assembly seat. This marks second Pawar vs Pawar battle of year after Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, contested Lok Sabha seat against Sharad Pawar's daughter, Supriya Sule.