Sharad Pawar, one of the most influential and resilient figures in Indian politics, has hinted that he will retire from active politics after his Rajya Sabha term ends in 2026. The announcement has sparked discussions about the legacy of the 83-year-old leader, whose political journey spans nearly six decades. However, his decision comes at a time when his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is facing significant challenges, marking one of the most challenging phases of his career.
A Tough Election for Sharad Pawar’s NCP
The recent Maharashtra Assembly elections turned out to be a tough battle for Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP.
- Worst Performance Ever: His group contested 87 seats but is leading in only 10 out of the state’s 288 constituencies. This is a strike rate of just 11.49%, the lowest in his illustrious political career.
- Declining Influence: This poor performance comes just six months after the NCP achieved an impressive 80% strike rate in the Lok Sabha elections.
The election results have widened the gap between Sharad Pawar’s faction and the rival group led by Ajit Pawar. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction is ahead in 41 seats, highlighting the growing influence of the breakaway group.
A Battle Between the Pawars
The ongoing conflict between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar has reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape.
- In the Lok Sabha elections held earlier, Sharad Pawar’s faction claimed a decisive victory over Ajit Pawar’s group, cementing his leadership as the true face of the NCP despite losing the party’s original name and symbol.
- However, the Maharashtra Assembly elections tell a different story, with Ajit Pawar’s faction performing significantly better. This setback has made the rivalry personal and raised questions about the future of Sharad Pawar’s leadership.
Historical Context: Sharad Pawar’s Political Journey
Sharad Pawar’s political career is marked by several achievements and milestones:
- Chief Minister of Maharashtra: He served as the state’s Chief Minister four times, first taking the role in 1978 at just 38 years old, making him the youngest to hold the position.
- Union Minister: Pawar held key portfolios like agriculture and defense in the Union cabinet. He also played a crucial role during his tenure as the agriculture minister under the Congress-led UPA government.
- Formation of the NCP: After being expelled from Congress in 1999, Pawar founded the Nationalist Congress Party, making it a key player in Maharashtra politics alongside the BJP, Congress, and Shiv Sena.
Pawar’s ability to forge relationships across party lines has been a defining trait of his career. In 2019, he was the architect of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), an unlikely alliance between the Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena, which successfully governed Maharashtra despite predictions of its collapse.
Current Challenges for the NCP
The NCP has faced a series of challenges in recent years:
- Split in the Party: Ajit Pawar’s decision to break away and form his own faction weakened the NCP’s influence.
- Electoral Decline: In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the undivided NCP won 54 seats, outperforming Congress. However, in this election, Sharad Pawar’s faction is struggling to stay relevant, lagging behind Congress and even Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction.
- Healthcare and Economic Crisis in Maharashtra: The state’s socio-economic issues, including unemployment and public health challenges, have added to the political woes of the NCP.
Hints of Retirement
Sharad Pawar recently expressed his intention to retire after completing his Rajya Sabha tenure. While addressing his supporters in Baramati, he said:
“I am not in power… and my tenure in the Rajya Sabha has one-and-a-half years left. After that, I will not contest any election in the future. I will have to stop somewhere.”
This statement reflects a leader who is considering stepping back after a lifetime of public service.
The Legacy of Sharad Pawar
Despite recent setbacks, Sharad Pawar’s contributions to Indian politics are undeniable:
- He established the NCP as a force to reckon with in Maharashtra.
- His policies and leadership have influenced the state’s development over decades.
- His ability to adapt to political challenges showcases his resilience and strategic min
