Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar made a significant statement on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Still actively engaged in public life at the age of 85, Pawar declared that he possesses ‘no moral right’ to delve into the ongoing discussion about whether political leaders should step aside once they reach 75 years old.
When questioned specifically about whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi should retire from public service, given his recent 75th birthday—a age often associated with the sidelining of prominent figures like L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi—Mr. Pawar pointed out a shift in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s narrative. He observed that ‘people within the BJP are now claiming they have never suggested that leaders beyond 75 should withdraw from active roles.’
Further emphasizing his personal stance on the age debate, which gained renewed attention the day after PM Modi’s milestone birthday, the NCP (SP) chief rhetorically asked, ‘Where have I stopped?’ He firmly reiterated that, given his own continued work at 85, he feels he has no moral basis to comment on the age-related discussion for other leaders.
Beyond the political discourse, the former Union minister also urged the Maharashtra Government to provide more time and support to farmers. He highlighted the severe challenges they are currently facing, including extensive crop losses caused by recent heavy rains.