Sharad Pawar

"Democracy is under attack from the BJP. We must all unitedly safeguard it. Efforts are being made to deprive the rights of governments elected by the people and create hurdles for them. We shall fully support the AAP's fight in parliament," declared Pawar after his half-hour meeting with Kejriwal-Mann and other leaders.

"What we decide in our party is our internal matter... Our colleagues know how our party will move forward and we are satisfied with what we are achieving. They (Saamana Group) have a right to write and criticise, we don't consider it important from our viewpoint," declared Pawar in a direct snub at Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut.

Accorded a hero's welcome with garlands, bouquets and shawls by the constituents and party workers, a relaxed Pawar admitted that he had given a hint to Ajit Pawar of his plans (to step down as NCP chief), which had created a major political upheaval in the party and outside from May 2. However, his (Ajit's) image is being.

"I am overwhelmed with the love, trust and faith showered on me. Considering the appeals made by all of you and honouring the decision of the Committee constituted by the party, I am withdrawing my decision to retire," said Sharad Pawar amid a thunderous round of applause.

"It was on anticipated lines... There's no alternative to Pawar Saheb... The NCP committee's decision is correct," said Raut, soon after the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally's turmoil-ridden party's move. He said that Pawar is the most respected and nationally accepted leader and all the Opposition parties in the country want him to continue in his post."All parties are clear on this, he is a uniting force... Pawar Saheb must continue as NCP President, at least till the (2024) elections," urged Raut.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the special panel set up by Pawar to name his successor after his dramatic announcement on Tuesday to step down.The panel's decision on the two resolutions -- rejecting the resignation and urging him to continue as party chief -- will be conveyed to Pawar for his final call in the matter. Top NCP leaders like Praful Patel and Ajit Pawar will make the official announcement on the developments later this afternoon.

Coming down specially to meet the protesting NCP activists outside the Y.B. Chavan Memorial Auditorium, he said that he has the highest regards for the sentiments of his party workers. "I respect your emotions... I should have discussed my plans with all of you. But I knew you wouldn't have permitted me to take the decision," said Pawar.

The sudden announcement was greeted with shock, disbelief, bursting into tears and hundreds protesting at Pawar's move, demanding that he withdraw it. However, Pawar, flanked by his wife Pratibha, appeared to be grimly determined and declared: "I know when to stop... I have set up a committee of senior NCP leaders who will decide on the next president."

"There's no truth in the talks about Ajit Pawar... He has not called any (MLAs) meetings today... We are all working unitedly to strengthen the NCP," Pawar said when besieged by mediapersons. "What's in your mind is not in our thoughts," added Pawar for added effect, amid unconfirmed reports claiming that Ajit Pawar commands the.

After the meeting at Kharge's residence, Gandhi said: "We are united", while Pawar advocated larger unity among opposition parties. "I want that there should be talks with leaders of all opposition parties including Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal. We should talk to them and move forward, taking everyone along, to unite the opposition," he said.