Three days after announcing at a public function that he was stepping down as president of NCP, party supremo and veteran leader Sharad Pawar on Friday withdrew his decision following hard hitting emotions from his party workers.
 
“After 63 years of long service in public life it was my own decision to step down. My decision evoked strong sentiments amongst the people. Party workers, office bearers and my colleagues were disheartened to hear my decision,” he said.

The Maratha leader said that all his well-wishers unanimously appealed him to reconsider his decision. At the same time, leaders from various political parties, his colleagues, and well-wishers from all over the country and especially from Maharashtra persuaded him to change my decision.

Earlier in the day, a committee of leaders appointed to take a decision on appointing new president of the party rejected Pawar's resignation from the post and later went to his residence, Silver Oak, to apprise him of the party's sentiments.

Referring to the title of second edition of his autobiography which Pawar had released on Tuesday, the Rajya Sabha MP said, “Lok Maze Sangati means ‘people are my companions’! And this is the real secret of my long and satisfying public life. I cannot disrespect their feelings. I am overwhelmed with the love, trust and faith showered on me. Considering the appeals made by all of you and honouring the decision of the committee constituted by the party, I am withdrawing my decision to retire.”

He stated that even though he is continuing as president, he is of the clear opinion that there has to be a succession plan for any post or responsibility in the organisation.

In future, Pawar said he will focus on making organizational changes in the party, assigning new responsibilities and creating new leadership.

“I will also work vigorously for the growth of organisation and take our ideology and goals of the party to the people. Your continuous support has been a real inspiration for me. I will be forever grateful to you who have stood by me during successes and all the challenges of my life. I reiterate that I accept to continue the responsibility as the party president. Thank you!”

Pawar’s decision to step down as party president evoked strong emotions from NCP cadre and party office-bearers who pleaded with him to take back his decision. The number swelled up today ahead of the meeting of party’s committee of leaders. A party worker even tried to immolate himself.