Sharad Pawar Hints at Political Retirement, Calls for New Leadership in Maharashtra

Baramati, Maharashtra: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and veteran politician Sharad Pawar hinted at his potential retirement from active politics amid the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Addressing a gathering while campaigning for his grandson Yugendra Pawar, Pawar emphasized the need for fresh leadership to guide the party and the state for the next few decades.

During his visit to Baramati, where his grandson will be contesting against Ajit Pawar in the November 20 Assembly polls, Pawar reflected on his extensive political journey. “I have fought elections 14 times, and the people have supported me each time. But there comes a point where one must stop. A new generation should be brought in to take the party and the state forward,” he stated.

The former Chief Minister, who still serves as a Rajya Sabha member, remarked that he has about a year and a half left in his parliamentary tenure, set to conclude in 2026. Pawar expressed his intent to retire from electoral politics thereafter, though he reassured supporters that he would continue his social work beyond the political arena.

The remarks come at a crucial time for the NCP, as it faces internal challenges and a leadership transition. Pawar acknowledged the contributions of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, especially in Baramati, but hinted at the need for newer faces to take charge. “The development of Baramati and Maharashtra over the next 30 years requires new leadership. Everyone should get an opportunity, and I have never held anyone back,” he said.

In a pointed comment seemingly aimed at Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar added, “If someone constantly asserts they will take everything, the public may not say anything, but they will disapprove.”

Pawar’s statements have sparked speculation about the future direction of NCP, as the party seeks to build a young, dynamic leadership team. With 420 candidates vying for 36 seats in Mumbai alone, the upcoming elections hold high stakes for the party and for Maharashtra politics as a whole.

Pawar further said that though he hadn’t come to ask for votes recently, the people of Baramati have never disappointed him.