One of India's top politicians and former federal Minister Sharad Pawar bowed out as president of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday.
The bombshell announcement came during the launch of the second edition of his autobiography.
When noting that three years of his tenure as parliamentarian still remain, Pawar said: "In these three years, I will concentrate on issues concerning the state and the country. I will not take any additional responsibilities and won't fight any election."
"I started my political career on May 1, 1960. Yesterday we celebrated May Day. After this prolonged political career, one must think about stopping somewhere. One must not be greedy. I will never take the position of sticking to a post after so many years. Therefore, you might feel uneasy. But I have decided to retire from the post of the NCP chief," he state while announcing his resignation.
Pawar founded the NCP in 1999 after his expulsion from the Congress for opposing Sonia Gandhi's candidacy for Prime Minister due to her foreign origin. He is currently member of the upper house of the Parliament.
Pawar Promises to Remain Active in NCP
Hundreds of NCP party workers attending the event became emotional upon hearing the news of Pawar's resignation.
"I have clarified that I will be active in the party. I am only resigning from the post. I will always be with you all at every program and event," Pawar stated as workers urged him to withdraw his decision.
He, however, recommended forming a party committee to decide upon his successor.
"This committee will decide on the [NCP] president's selection. It will continue to strive for the growth of the party organization, to take the ideology and goals of the party to the people, and to serve the people as they deem fit," Pawar stated.
Reacting to the development, NCP Maharashtra lawmaker Anil Patil said, "If you don't withdraw this decision, we will submit our resignations of lawmakers and parliamentarian posts."
Meanwhile, his nephew and Maharashtra Opposition leader Ajit Pawar said: "He (Sharad Pawar) is thinking about giving the party leadership to a new person. Ultimately, the party will work under Sharad Pawar. Whoever the new leader [is], he will always work under Pawar Saheb."
"Let's not be emotional about all this. I just spoke to Kaki (wife of Sharad Pawar). She told me that he would not change his decision. Don't get drown into emotions. Ultimately, a new president will work under the guidance of Sharad Pawar. The party will work under him and him only," he added.