Sharad Pawar: No Moral Right to Ask PM Modi to Retire, Focus Should Be on Farmers and Unity

Mumbai: NCP chief and former Union Minister Sharad Pawar on Thursday said he cannot tell Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step back from politics after turning 75, pointing out that he himself continues to work actively at 85.

Speaking to reporters, Pawar said, “I wished PM Modi on his 75th birthday yesterday. In politics, there should be no bitterness on such occasions. We are people who act according to the values of Yashwantrao Chavan. I don’t understand the talk of terming Narendra Modi an ‘avatar.’ Narendra Modi himself came on my 75th birthday. Narendra Modi did not bring politics; we are not bringing it either.”

Amid Congress’ renewed push on the “retirement age” issue targeting PM Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Pawar added, “Even after 75 years of age, I did not stop. I am currently 85 years of age, and I am still working. So I cannot tell Narendra Modi to stop after 75 years of age. I have no moral right.”

Commenting on the full-page ‘DevaBhau’ advertisements showing Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paying tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Pawar urged the government to focus on the pressing issue of farmers’ losses caused by heavy rains. “Heavy rain has hit many places in Maharashtra, causing damage to agriculture. Lands have been washed away, and soybeans have been destroyed. Devabhau should pay attention to Panchnama and provide aid immediately,” he said, recalling how Shivaji Maharaj once symbolically used a golden plough to support farmers during a drought.

On the ongoing Maratha and OBC reservation protests, Pawar noted rising bitterness between communities, particularly in Marathwada districts like Parbhani, Beed, and Dharashiv. “The government formed two cabinet subcommittees on Marathas and OBCs. Both committees have members from the same caste. If we want to create unity, why have people from the same caste in the committees?” he questioned. Pawar stressed the importance of maintaining harmony, citing the 1994 state government resolution on OBC reservation following Mandal Commission recommendations.

Speaking on Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) strategy for upcoming civic elections, Pawar said, “MVA will fight together in some places, and separately in others. It is good if the Thackeray brothers come together and increase their strength. Thackeray is strong in Mumbai and Thane. There is nothing wrong with Uddhav Thackeray demanding more seats in Mumbai and Thane.”

Addressing allegations of vote rigging, Pawar remarked that public dissatisfaction with the Election Commission cannot be ignored. “For the first time, 300 MPs took out a march against the Election Commission. The fact that 300 MPs are taking to the streets is not something to ignore. The Election Commission should change its approach,” he said. Pawar also called for increased credibility of the poll body in light of Rahul Gandhi’s recent allegations: “Even after Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, the Election Commission is not seen taking precautions. It should increase people’s trust in the election process. I am also waiting for Rahul Gandhi’s hydrogen bomb.”