Big NCP question: Will Saheb turn clock back?

Sharad Pawar on Thursday hinted that he might reconsider his decision to step down as Nationalist Congress Party president. Pawar said he would soon take a decision and that would be 'acceptable' to party workers.

"After I have resigned, several colleagues have come from outside the state to meet me. I will be meeting them tomorrow evening. Once this meeting is over, a decision will be taken in the next 1-2 days... The decision would be taken keeping your sentiment in mind. You (party workers) will not have to sit like this," said Pawar while addressing cadres in Mumbai.

NCP insiders have hinted that Pawar may continue to lead the party in some form. However, there is also talk of rejig. Whether this means a bigger role for daughter Supriya Sule and nephew Ajit Pawar, it remains to be seen. Pawar campers feel Ajit needs to be accommodated in some manner. A perception has been built that Ajit is a man in a hurry and that he cannot be ignored and must be placated somehow, the insiders said.


Chhagan Bhujbal, known to be close to Pawar, let his feelings known on Wednesday when he suggested Ajit should be given leadership of NCP's Maharashtra unit. While Pawar founded NCP, Ajit also played a big role in building the party and a sizeable section of MLAs are considered loyal to Ajit. This is one of the reasons why Pawar has not taken any action against Ajit despite his dalliance with BJP. Acting against Ajit may destabilise the party itself, a source maintained.