Mumbai: Correspondent
In a heartfelt and emotional moment, senior leader Jayant Patil broke down in tears as he handed over the reins of the Maharashtra state president post of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) to newly appointed president Shashikant Shinde after a dedicated tenure of seven years.
Speaking at the party's foundation day event, Patil expressed that it was time to give opportunities to new faces, requesting to be relieved from the responsibility. Acting upon this request, the party leadership appointed Shinde as the new state president in a recent internal meeting, and Patil formally passed on the charge.
"I served faithfully for seven continuous years without taking a single day off. I worked as one with the party," Patil said, his voice choked with emotion, forcing him to pause briefly. Supporters present at the event began raising enthusiastic slogans in his support, prompting party chief Sharad Pawar to calm them by raising his hand.
Patil emphasized that during his leadership, he never encouraged factionalism or parallel organizations within the party. “If a party like the BJP could grow so large with just two MPs at one point, then a party like ours with several MLAs and MPs can also grow significantly,” he stated, urging leaders and workers to stay committed and united.
Patil also recalled how he remained loyal to Sharad Pawar and the party during difficult times, particularly when Deputy CM Ajit Pawar rebelled and formed a separate faction. Despite several senior leaders joining Ajit Pawar, Patil stayed with Sharad Pawar and continued to shoulder the responsibility as state president during those challenging times.
However, persistent speculation remains about Patil possibly joining the BJP. Rumors suggest that he might resign from the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar group) to secure a ministerial berth in the BJP, especially in one of the top five departments. Though Patil has consistently denied these claims, the rumors refuse to die down. “No matter how many times I clarify, the speculation continues. So I choose not to comment anymore,” he remarked.
This transition marks a significant moment in the party's journey, with leadership being passed on amidst both emotional reflection and political speculation.
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