‘I have not resigned’, clarifies Maharashtra NCP-SP president Jayant Patil after hinting at stepping down

NCP (SP) Maharashtra president Jayant Patil on Tuesday clarified that he has not resigned from the post after hinting at stepping down in the presence of party chief Sharad Pawar.

"I have not resigned," said Jayant Patil when asked about reports suggesting he may step down.

Earlier in the day, Jayant Patil's remark at an event held at Balgandharva Auditorium in Pune on the Nationalist Congress Party's 26th foundation day triggered an emotional reaction from workers who urged him to continue.

It is important for the party to give a chance to new faces, Patil said.

"Pawar saheb gave me a lot of opportunities. I was entrusted with the responsibility for seven years, but now it is important for the party to give a chance to new faces," Patil said, triggering a strong reaction from party workers who opposed his decision.

Amid their emotional appeal, Patil, in a voice choked with emotions, requested the workers to calm down.

"This party belongs to Pawar saheb, and hence, he should take an appropriate decision. We all have a long journey ahead. I thank Pawar saheb and all the party workers," Patil said, concluding his speech as Pawar looked on.

The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, split in July 2023 after his nephew Ajit Pawar joined the then Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government. The party name and its clock symbol were given to the Ajit Pawar faction, while the one headed by the former Union agriculture minister was christened NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).

Addressing the party workers, Pawar said Jayant Patil's proposal will be discussed and deliberated among the senior party leaders before arriving at a decision.

"Jayant Patil has expressed his desire to me that new faces should get the opportunity. You and I should stand by him. I just want to say that we will discuss the proposal with him and all the senior party leaders and a collective decision will be taken," said Pawar.

He added that the party should ensure that new faces get opportunities in every district while deciding on Jayant Patil.

Patil, a staunch loyalist of Sharad Pawar, remained loyal to him since the formation of the NCP. He sided with the Pawar senior after Ajit Pawar rebelled in 2023.