Leaders of different political parties came forth to wish NCP chief and former CM Sharad Pawar on his birthday, remarking on his influential career.
As political stalwart Sharad Pawar turns 80 on December 12, politicians across the political parties came forth to wish the popular leader on his birthday. The Maharashtra government, which includes Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has announced three schemes to mark his birth anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his best wishes and wished for Pawar's good health and long life.
On Sharad Pawar's birthday, check out a glimpse of his exemplary political career and contribution to Indian politics.
1. Long public service
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Born in Baramati on December 12, 1940, Sharad Govindrao Pawar has spent more than 50 years in public service. His prominence is mostly felt in the regional politics of Maharashtra. (File Image)
2. Absolute victor in elections and politics
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In his long and influential political career, Sharad Pawar has not lost any Assembly or Lok Sabha election since 1967. He has served as a chief minister thrice, a leader of opposition both in the state and the Centre, and a union minister three times. (File Image)
3. President and founder of Nationalist Congress Party
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Sharad Pawar broke away from the Congress party in 1999 and formed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). NCP remains a powerful regional party in Maharashtra, often taking the role of the kingmaker. (File Image)
4. Patriarch of a political family
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Sharad Pawar is a patriarch of an influential political family in Maharashtra. His daughter, Supriya Sule, is a Lok Sabha member and his nephew Ajit Pawar is the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. (File Image)
5. Uncanny political leadership
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Sharad Pawar stumped the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by tying up with Shiv Sena and Congress to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra in 2019. His national popularity can be attributed by the fact that the rival BJP government at the Centre recommended him for the Padma Vibhushan in 2017. (Image: AFP)
