Party workers persisted in their efforts to convince Sharad Pawar to reverse his decision to resign as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, even going so far as to write letters in blood two days after his announcement. Meanwhile, the committee of 18 members that Pawar had formed to select the new national president of the party will convene today.The committee will probably take into account the request for the experienced leader to reconsider stepping down. They are anticipated to propose the appointment of a working president to aid Pawar with everyday tasks.NCP leaders suggested that Pawar reconsider his decision and lead the party in the upcoming crucial Lok Sabha and assembly elections next year. However, on Thursday, the state NCP president Jayant Patil confirmed that Pawar is resolute in his decision. Patil expressed his concerns about the next elections and shared the sentiments of many others he had spoken with over the past two days. He also believed that if Pawar remained in his position, it would ensure justice for all. Regarding the committee, Patil stated that Pawar wants the successor to be selected democratically.A senior member of the party stated that the committee might suggest that Pawar should remain the national president and have a working president, such as Supriya Sule or another experienced leader, to assist him.In the meantime, demonstrators persisted in occupying the staircase of the Y B Chavan Centre for the second day in a row, while Pawar had informal discussions with his colleagues and legislators in his office on the fifth floor. Some workers even wrote their plea in blood, causing senior leaders like Praful Patel and Supriya Sule to intervene and urge them to control their emotions and end the protest.Supriya Sule addressed the party workers and pleaded with them to stop using blood to write letters, saying “I urge you all with folded hands – please stop this.” She informed the gathering that she had been asked by Pawar to speak to them. “Saheb is deeply hurt by all of this, and I request you to end the protest,” Sule added.One of the individuals who wrote a letter in blood was Gurjot Singh Keer, the state secretary of the NCP youth wing. His message stated: “Saheb, I urge you to reconsider your decision.” Mehmoob Shaikh, the state president of the NCP youth wing, said that others would do the same if the NCP chief did not pay heed to their sentiments.When Pawar was leaving the premises, he encountered the protesters and assured them that they would not need to continue the protest beyond two days. The demonstration came to an end after that.Pawar arrived at his office at 10 am on Thursday and spent more than five hours meeting with people. He then held informal meetings with senior leaders, which continued even after he had finished for the day.
