A day after Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar decided to continue in his post, he patted his nephew and Leader of Opposition (Assembly) Ajit Pawar on their home turf of Baramati, here on Saturday.
Accorded a hero's welcome with garlands, bouquets and shawls by the constituents and party workers, a relaxed Pawar admitted that he had given a hint to Ajit Pawar of his plans (to step down as NCP chief), which had created a major political upheaval in the party and outside from May 2.
"However, his (Ajit's) image is being unnecessarily sullied... He is a result-oriented person and so at times he speaks less. That seems to create misunderstandings," said Pawar, 83, while addressing the local media.
On Ajit Pawar skipping the media conference on Friday, Pawar said that "he is very much with the party and the people... don't read too much into his absence... he has contributed a lot to the party."
Nevertheless, Pawar reiterated that he will prepare a succession plan for the 24-year-old NCP, but the immediate focus would be on the 2024 Lok Sabha and the Assembly elections.
The four-time former Chief Minister and a minister at the Centre, also expressed his commitment to "bring together and unite all like-minded parties for the parliamentary elections" next year.
PM Modi to address first Parivartan Rally on Dec 29 ahead of Delhi polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will kickstart its poll campaign for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing his first Parivartan Rally on December 29 in Rohini.
PM Modi condoles Bathinda bus accident, announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to kin of deceased victims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the families of all the eight persons who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident in Bathinda, Punjab.
Home Minister Amit Shah lauds ITBP personnel for protecting border areas
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday night praised the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel for safeguarding the border areas in challenging and difficult terrains and climates across the country.
Manipur: Assam Rifles provides training to over 600 to empower jobless individuals
Demonstrating its dauntless commitment towards empowering youths in violence-hit Manipur, the Assam Rifles has provided training to 660 men and women this year to upgrade their skills in various trades, officials said on Friday.
‘Outstanding statesman’: Putin mourns demise of Manmohan Singh
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday mourned the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, describing him as an “outstanding statesman”.
Arunachal successfully preserved its unique identity despite onslaught of modernity: CM Khandu
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday expressed satisfaction that despite the onslaught of modernity and development, the state has not only successfully preserved its unique indigenous identity but has passed it down through generations.
Osamu Suzuki who revolutionised India’s car market with Maruti 800 no more
Osamu Suzuki, who headed Suzuki Motor Corp for more than 40 years and revolutionised India’s car market with the introduction of the popular Maruti 800 small car, has died at the age of 94.
US Embassy in India breaks record, issues 1 million visas for second consecutive year
The US Embassy and its consulate in India have scripted a new record by issuing more than one million non-immigrant visas for the second year in a row.