At the age of 83, Sharad Pawar has announced his decision to retire from electoral politics, which includes not contesting future Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections. However, given Pawar's storied political career spanning over six decades, the announcement has raised questions about whether his retirement is truly permanent or just another of his well-known political moves.

Known for his shrewd political acumen, Pawar's career includes four terms as Maharashtra Chief Minister, a long tenure as a Union Minister, and his role as the founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999 after splitting from the Congress. The announcement took many by surprise, especially as it was made during a poll campaign for his grand-nephew, Yujendra Pawar, in his family bastion of Baramati.

Pawar’s retirement announcement coincides with his party’s internal struggles following the split with Ajit Pawar, his nephew, and his new faction of the NCP. Despite the official retirement plans, those who have followed Pawar’s career know that his word of “retirement” does not always signify a permanent exit from the political stage. He has previously made similar announcements, such as in 2009, when he suggested stepping back for younger leaders, only to remain a dominant force in politics.

Challenges Ahead for the NCP

The Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 are set to be a major test for Sharad Pawar’s NCP. Pawar has taken it upon himself to rebuild the organization, which has seen a significant split under his leadership, especially after Ajit Pawar led a revolt in 2023. The NCP is currently contesting 87 seats in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, while Ajit Pawar’s faction is participating with the ruling Mahayuti, fielding 52 candidates.

Although the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) has gained ground, winning 8 out of 10 seats contested in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Assembly elections are expected to be far more competitive. In this context, Pawar’s political strategies could play a decisive role, especially considering his previous alliances, such as with the Shiv Sena in 2019, when he helped form a government with the Congress and NCP despite a fractured mandate.

Speculations and Possibilities for the Future

Pawar’s decision to remain out of electoral politics may be seen as a way to make way for younger leaders while maintaining an influential role as a mentor and guide within his party. However, the political landscape in Maharashtra is known for its unpredictability, with Pawar himself being a master at political maneuvering. It is entirely possible that the upcoming elections could lead to a fractured mandate, with no clear majority emerging from either the MVA or the Mahayuti. In such a scenario, Pawar’s political influence may be key to determining the next government, sparking potential new alliances and political permutations.

In summary, while Sharad Pawar’s retirement from electoral politics may be genuine on the surface, his past actions suggest that his political journey may still have unexpected twists. Given his emotional ties to Baramati, his desire to rebuild the NCP, and his central role in Maharashtra's political ecosystem, Pawar's “retirement” may be just a strategic pause before he returns to shape the state’s political future once more.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Neelam Lines and Garments, Rosmerta Digital, NTPC Green, Avanse Financial and Black Buck.

The Current active IPO is Sagility India Limited, Swiggy, ACME Solar Holdings and Niva Bupa Health.

For more insights into financial trends , visit our Top News Headlines. You can also explore investment opportunities in the market and apply for upcoming IPOs through our Best IPO to Apply Now section.