Should Jayant Patil Step Down as Maha NCP (SP) Chief?

Pune, June 10 (NationPress) Maharashtra NCP (Sharad Pawar) chief Jayant Patil on Tuesday made a public appeal to party president Sharad Pawar to relieve him of his duties, suggesting that the moment has arrived to empower younger leaders. Speaking at the party’s foundation day event, which also celebrated 26 years of the NCP, Patil expressed his desire to step down after nearly seven years in the position.

“Pawar Saheb has provided me numerous opportunities, including the privilege of serving as the state unit chief for seven years. However, it’s time for the party to embrace new faces. I humbly request Pawar Saheb to relieve me of my responsibilities,” Patil stated.

He further remarked, “Ultimately, this party is Pawar Saheb’s, and he will make the right choice. Our journey is far from over.”

Patil’s announcement caught many off guard. Following the division in the NCP in July 2023 and the party’s disappointing performance in last year’s state assembly elections, some factions within the NCP (SP) had called for his resignation.

Nevertheless, it was Sharad Pawar’s backing that enabled him to persist—until now, when Patil directly asked to step down.

Encouraging party workers to remain resilient, Patil urged them to keep their spirits high and work diligently for the party’s revival.

“There was a period when the BJP had merely two MPs. Today, it stands as the largest party in the nation. So, do not lose heart. With hard work, we can regain our strength in the state. Always remember, our struggle is that of Tukaram versus Nathuram,” he said.

Reflecting on the party’s history, Patil commented, “In 2014, the BJP ascended to power, and many people departed our train for another. Yet, we remained loyal to Pawar Saheb. I commend all of you because, through thick and thin, you stood by him. Quality surpasses quantity.”

He also reminisced about the NCP’s early days, saying, “When this party was founded, thousands gathered at Shivaji Park to listen to Pawar Saheb. From 1999 to 2014, the party was in power and grew stronger each year.”

Touching on foreign policy and national security, Patil referenced ‘Operation Sindoor’ to highlight the party’s unwavering stance on unity in matters of national defense.

“Pawar Saheb has always prioritized the nation. He has instilled in us the importance of unity when it comes to national interests and to stand firm against adversaries. Last year’s Lok Sabha results validated our collective efforts and Pawar Saheb’s leadership.”