After 1.5 years, I have to think whether to stay in Rajya Sabha or not: Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar, who heads his own faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, on Tuesday hinted that he may not seek another Rajya Sabha term and would not like to be part of parliamentary electoral politics anymore while speaking about other family members taking the mantle forward.

Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, hinted that he would not like to become a Rajya Sabha MP again after his current tenure ends in 2026.

"I have contested 14 elections from Baramati. You (people) did not send me home (had me defeated) even once. You elected me every time. But I have to stop somewhere. (We) need to bring the new generation forward, I am working with this principle. This does not mean that I have left social work but I don't want power. However, I will keep working for the people," said Pawar while campaigning for his grandnephew Yugendra Pawar. Yugendra is contesting from Baramati against his uncle Ajit Pawar.


The 83-year-old leader added, "I am not in power, I am a member of the Rajya Sabha and I still have 1.5 years remaining for my term. After 1.5 years, I have to think whether to stay in the Rajya Sabha or not."

The NCP-SP leader spoke of how during his tenure he launched several irrigation projects in Baramati as well as bring industries to the constituency but claimed that those who took over from him (Ajit Pawar) did not do much for the region.

While Pawar has in the past also spoken about retiring from e politics, the current announcement assumes significance due to the tiff in the family after Ajit Pawar split the NCP.