“Will have to stop somewhere...": Sharad Pawar Hints at Retirement from Active Politics

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) Chief and veteran politician Sharad Pawar on Tuesday hinted at stepping away from active politics, suggesting that he may not contest any future elections once his current Rajya Sabha term concludes in 18 months. Sharad Pawar was campaigning for his grand nephew Yugendra Pawar who has been pitted against his uncle Ajit Pawar in the upcoming Maharashtra state assembly elections.

"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..." Pawar stated, acknowledging his long tenure in public service. The seasoned politician, who has represented Baramati as both an MP and MLA 14 times, expressed his gratitude to the people of the region for their support over the years.

Addressing the gathering, Pawar also highlighted the significance of grooming new leadership in Baramati. He acknowledged the contributions of his nephew, Ajit Pawar, who currently serves as Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, but emphasized that the region now needs a new generation of leaders to ensure its long-term development.

“Now, it's time to prepare for the future. We need to groom leadership that will work for the next 30 years,” said Pawar advocating for Yugendra Pawar. He added that it was important for everyone to have an opportunity to lead, noting that he had never prevented others from taking charge.

Pawar also addressed the recent family rivalry within the NCP, referring to the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, where his daughter Supriya Sule won against Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, in the Baramati constituency. Pawar remarked that the contest had been difficult, as it was fought within the family, but emphasized that the people of Baramati have consistently supported him, despite the challenges.

The NCP (SP) chief also took a veiled swipe at his nephew, Ajit Pawar, saying that if someone keeps claiming to take everything, people may not voice their opposition, but they will gradually lose support. “If someone keeps saying he will take everything, people may not say anything but will disapprove of it,” Sharad Pawar said, alluding to internal tensions within the party.​