Sushil Kumar Shinde, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a senior leader in the Congress party, announced his retirement from electoral politics, well in advance of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Shinde emphasized that while he is stepping back from active politics, he remains dedicated to serving his party whenever his assistance is required.
Shinde revealed that this decision had been made two years ago, dispelling the notion that it was a sudden choice. He reaffirmed his commitment to contribute to the party’s endeavors, stating that his retirement is not a complete departure from party responsibilities.
Daughter to Succeed Sushil Kumar Shinde?
In an interesting twist, Sushil Kumar Shinde also expressed his desire for his daughter, Praniti Shinde, to succeed him and stand as a candidate from his Solapur constituency. Praniti Shinde, a three-time legislator representing the Solapur city central assembly seat, is a prominent figure in the political landscape.
Sushil Kumar Shinde explained, ‘I used to contest elections from Solapur; now it’s my wish that my daughter takes up the mantle. I have conveyed my wish to the party. However, the final decision on the candidate rests with the All India Congress Committee (AICC), the party’s high command in Delhi. It’s common for individuals to express their preferences for contesting from specific constituencies.’
Sushil Kumar Shinde, who served as a three-term Member of Parliament from the Solapur Lok Sabha constituency, held the position of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister briefly between January 2003 and November 2004. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Andhra Pradesh’s governor until 2006, at which point he was appointed to the Union Cabinet.
His political journey continued as he took on the role of India’s Power Minister in the Manmohan Singh government. Later, in 2012, he was assigned the crucial Home Ministry portfolio after P. Chidambaram, who had taken charge in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, moved back to the Finance Ministry.
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