Sharad Pawar hinted at leaving parliamentary politics

PUNE: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday hinted at a move away from parliamentary politics, suggesting he may retire at the end of his current Rajya Sabha term in 2026. Addressing a rally at Supa in Baramati constituency, Pawar: The 84th MP noted that he has about one-and-a-half years left in the upper house and will take a final decision towards the end of his term.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Tuesday that he is considering retiring from his six-decade career in legislative politics. Pawar, who will turn 84 this December, said he will take his last call towards the end of his Rajya Sabha term in 2026. “We need to stop somewhere,” he said while addressing a rally at Soupa in Baramati.

Pawar took the opportunity to formally introduce the newest member of the family, his 32-year-old great-nephew Yugendra, who was given a ticket to the party from Baramati where he will take on his uncle Ajit Pawar.

“I am not in power… I have already participated in 14 elections – how many more will I participate? Now I think the new generation should be given this opportunity,” Pawar said. “You (the people of Baramati) never let me go home; you made me win all (the elections), but I need to stop somewhere.” He used an emotional pitch to highlight the need to bring fresh blood into Baramati politics. The strategic appeal comes in the form of Ajit Pawar’s aggressive campaigning, which focuses on the fact that Sharad Pawar is the past of Baramati and Ajit Pawar is the future of the constituency. “By indicating that he is considering retiring from active politics while presenting Yugendra as a leader of the future, he is sending a message about his legacy,” said political scientist Abhay Deshpande. It’s a legacy his rebellious nephew appears to be passing by.

Although at another public meeting at Shirsufala in Baramati on the same day, Pawar acknowledged Ajit Pawar’s extensive work in the district: “You elected me as chief minister not once or twice, but four times. I served here from 1967 for 25 years before assuming state duties. I have entrusted local power to Ajit dada, giving him full control over the planning of local bodies, sugar cooperatives and milk unions, and there is no doubt about the work he has done here.” Without mentioning Ajit Pawar’s age (65), he emphasized the need to pass on the baton to the younger generation. “Now is the time to look forward and prepare for the future. We need leadership that can take us over the next 30 years,” he said. Then, in an apparent criticism of Ajit Pawar, he added: “If someone continues to claim everything for himself, people may remain silent, but they do not necessarily approve of it.” He also touched on specific development issues, noting Ajit Pawar’s shortcomings in completing the landmark water irrigation scheme and the need for new ideas and a fresh approach to the region’s problems. He highlighted the progress made by Baramati under his leadership and said, “We have set up MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) here, which has attracted companies and provided employment to thousands of people. To continue this momentum, we need a capable and knowledgeable representative, which is why we chose Yugendra,” he said, praising his great-nephew’s education in the United States and his experience in running a sugar mill.

Sharad Pawar started his political career from Baramati in 1958 and the constituency became synonymous with him. Now that Yugendra has become his successor, the battle for Baramati becomes more difficult than ever. The contest follows a tense family rivalry in the Lok Sabha elections when Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule defeated Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra. With stakes in the Maharashtra assembly elections at an all-time high, Pawar senior’s call for a generational change in leadership could potentially change the political future of Baramati and impact politics in Maharashtra.