New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday sent heartfelt birthday wishes to Rajya Sabha member Sharad Pawar, expressing hopes for his long and healthy life.

Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi shared, "Birthday wishes to Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sharad Pawar Ji. Wishing him a long and healthy life."

Sharad Pawar, a towering personality in Maharashtra's political landscape, is the founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). At 84 years old, his extensive career is filled with significant accomplishments and controversies. His public life, which began in 1958 with the Youth Congress, spans over six decades. Pawar became the youngest Chief Minister of Maharashtra at just 37 years old, a position he held four times throughout his career. Additionally, he served as India’s Defence Minister from 1991 to 1993 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

Throughout his political journey, Pawar has made substantial contributions to Maharashtra’s agricultural policies and cooperative sector, significantly impacting the state's rural and economic development. His influence in the cooperative movement, especially in the sugar sector, is recognized across party lines.

In 1999, after parting ways with the Congress, Pawar established the NCP. The split stemmed from his disagreements over Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin and her potential bid for Prime Minister. Along with P.A. Sangma and Tariq Anwar, he was expelled from Congress, leading to the NCP's formation. Instead of being discouraged, this expulsion only solidified his position as a powerful player in both national and regional politics.

Pawar first dissociated from the Congress in 1978 at the age of 38, forming the Progressive Democratic Front in collaboration with the Janata Party and the Peasants and Workers Party, which resulted in him once again becoming the youngest Chief Minister of Maharashtra. However, his government was dismissed in February 1980, truncating his tenure.

Despite this setback, Pawar remained a pivotal figure in state politics. He returned as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister in 1993 for a two-year term. In 1995, the political landscape shifted when the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance took control, leading to Manohar Joshi becoming Chief Minister.

Years later, during the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Pawar made a strong political comeback, revitalizing the NCP's status and gaining additional seats. He tactically utilized the growing rift between Shiv Sena and BJP, persuading Shiv Sena to join forces with NCP and Congress, resulting in the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, with Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister.

However, the political climate shifted dramatically when a faction led by Pawar’s nephew, Ajit Pawar, rebelled and allied with BJP, leading to a brief government with Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister. In response, Sharad Pawar firmly warned defecting MLAs of actions under anti-defection laws, prompting many legislators to return to the NCP. The brief government collapsed, restoring Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister under the MVA.

Recently, Ajit Pawar separated from his uncle, and the Election Commission of India recognized his faction as the legitimate NCP, which led Sharad Pawar to establish NCP-SP.

Even amidst political upheaval, Pawar remains a significant force. Following recent elections, the MVA has transitioned to the opposition. Regardless of his position, whether in state or central politics, Sharad Pawar continues to be an authoritative voice, rigorously challenging the policies of the ruling governments. His involvement in political, economic, and social issues remains strong, and he is regarded as one of Maharashtra’s most experienced and strategic leaders.