No immediate scope for NCP reunion

Time for the party to create spaces for new faces in every corner of the state, says Jayant Patil

- Yogesh Joshi

PUNE: Senior Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Jayant Patil on Tuesday indicated his willingness to step down as the Maharashtra state unit president, saying the time had come for the party to give opportunities to new faces.

Patil was addressing party workers at the 26th foundation day function of the NCP (SP) in Pune, where party president Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders were present.

"Pawar saheb gave me many opportunities. I was given a tenure of seven years. The party needs to give a chance to new faces. I will request Sharad Pawar in front of you all—after all, the party belongs to Pawar Saheb. He should take an appropriate decision on this. We have a long way to go," Patil said.

The statement drew an emotional response from the audience, with many party workers rising to urge Patil to continue in his role.

Pawar, seated on stage, listened without comment as chants of support for Patil echoed from the crowd.

Reacting later in his address, Pawar acknowledged Patil's intent and said that the matter would be deliberated upon with other senior leaders before a decision is made.