Veteran politician Sharad Pawar on Tuesday stepped down as the chief of Nationalist Congress Party. Pawar announced his decision while attending a book launch of his autobiography at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratisthan in Mumbai.

"After a long period of public life from May 1, 1960, to May 1, 2023, it is necessary to take a step back. Hence, I have decided to step down as President of the Nationalist Congress Party. However, I intend to do more in the fields of education, agriculture, cooperation, sports and culture, amongst others"