SCOOP: NCP chief Sharad Pawar to take decision on Maval seat, keeps rumour of fielding grandson Parth Pawar afloat: Sources

In an unprecedented U-turn, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar withdrew from contesting the Lok Sabha election from Madha constituency in Solapur district. The former Union agriculture minister claimed that he has decided not to contest because he did not want three members of the Pawar family in the fray at the same time.

Sharad Pawar’s withdrawal has paved way for Parth Pawar, son of his nephew Ajit Pawar to contest the Lok Sabha election from Maval constituency near Pune. However, as per sources, Parth Pawar's name for Maval seat has not been finalised.

Other leaders from the NCP have also expressed willingness to fight the election from Maval constituency, therefore, no concrete decision has been taken on the same.

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar is likely to kick start campaign for Maval Seat and is also scheduled to address a mega rally on March 17, 2019.  

Read: SCOOP | Lalu Prasad Yadav Threatens Congress Of A "friendly Fight" After A Tug Of War Situation Emerges Between Bihar Opposition Ahead Of Seat-sharing Announcement: Sources

Earlier, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday said he has decided not to contest the next month's Lok Sabha election from the Madha constituency in Maharashtra.The Madha seat is held by his party leader Vijaysingh Mohite Patil. Pawar's announcement at a press conference came after recent speculation that he may contest from there.

"There was a lot of insistence (from within NCP) that I contest from Madha. However, my candidature hasn't been declared yet," Pawar said.

The NCP chief also indicated that Parth, son of his nephew and senior party leader Ajit Pawar, may be fielded from Maval LS constituency in Pune district.

"Many people are asking (me) to field Parth from Maval," the former Union minister said.

Asked if the fear of possible defeat made him rethink of contesting from Madha, Pawar said, "I have successfully faced 14 elections".