Sanjay Raut likens Sharad Pawar decision to Balasaheb's resignation

MUMBAI: Sharad Pawar's decision to step down as NCP chief was not unexpected based on some recent political developments, said Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. "Sharad Pawar has retired as NCP president and not from politics. Leaders like Sharad Pawar never retire from politics and social work," said Raut. "This is an internal matter of the party (NCP) ... I can only say that the country and Maharashtra need his leadership and guidance."

"...Though this announcement has come all of a sudden and has come as a shock to many NCP leaders, I don't think it was unexpected...from some of the recent developments. I'm not surprised by this decision," said Raut. "...in the 1990s, this also happened in the Shiv Sena when Balasaheb Thackeray, fed up with some developments, resigned as party chief. But there was so much public opinion and clamour from Sainiks that he had to go back on his decision." He added that leaders like Pawar and Thackeray take some decisions in certain situations, and this was Pawar's personal decision.