Sharad Pawar, a key figure in Maharashtra politics for over six decades, has signalled that he plans to retire, stating he will no longer contest in future elections and will focus on guiding the younger generation.
At 83, Pawar remarked that he must “stop somewhere,” suggesting the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections may be his final innings before stepping away from politics.
Addressing a meeting in Baramati on Tuesday, Pawar said, “I am not in power. I am definitely in Rajya Sabha. There is still one-and-a half years left. But after 1.5 years, I will have to think about whether to go to Rajya Sabha or not. I will not contest Lok Sabha. I will not contest any election.”
Pawar, however, who has been undefeated in his 57 years of electoral politics since he was elected as the Baramati MLA in 1967, declared he will keep serving and fighting for the people. He clarified his principle as well.
“I have contested 14 times. You (people) did not send me home even once. You elected me every time. But, I will have to stop somewhere… I will have to bring the new generation forward. I am working with this principle. This does not mean that I have left social work. But I do not want power. I will keep serving and working for the people,” Pawar said.
During the UPA administration, Pawar handled important Union Cabinet posts including Defence and Agriculture, and served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister four times. He is a skilled politician with supporters from all political parties. After his nephew Ajit Pawar established a rival faction in 2023, Pawar’s 1999-founded NCP saw a split.
“Neither tired nor retired” was the Maratha strongman’s response to retirement speculations a year ago. The remark was a response to Ajit Pawar’s assertion that, due to his age, he should step away from active politics.
“You have made me the Chief Minister not once or twice but four times. You elected me in 1967, and I worked here for 25 years before moving on to work for Maharashtra. Now, it’s time to prepare for the future. We need to groom leadership that will work for the next 30 years,” he asserted.
Also Read: India Submits Formal Bid to Host 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games
