Joshi retracts retirement after ‘intervention’ by CM, Gadkari | Nagpur News

Nagpur: Weeks after announcing his exit senior BJP leader and MLC Sandip Joshi recently withdrew his decision to retire from active politics following intervention by CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari.Speaking to TOI on Friday, Joshi said both leaders urged him to prioritise his health and return. “They told me to take a six-month rest, get rid of all health complications, and come back to active politics,” he said, adding that they told him the party “made his career and now wants him to expand its footprint.”Joshi earlier announced his retirement from politics in Jan, describing it as “a matter of conscience” after months of deliberation. He cited prolonged health concerns as a key factor behind the decision. “I took the decision following a spate of illnesses, and I have been suffering from severe back pain for the last 30 years. Due to heavy medication and side effects such as drowsiness, I am unable to do justice to people’s work,” he said.Recounting his interaction with the CM, Joshi said, “He told me to withdraw the retirement decision, stating that the activists and party need me.” Joshi added that after consulting “followers and senior BJP leaders”, he decided to revert the decision.The former mayor said he plans to take a break after completing his term as MLC on May 13 and will focus on recovery through “yoga and naturopathy” while also consulting medical experts.In his earlier communication to party leadership, Joshi wrote, “It is time to step aside and make space for younger workers,” pointing to what he described as an increasingly competitive political environment marked by “defections for power” and a “relentless rush for tickets and positions”.His initial decision triggered concern within party ranks in Nagpur, with supporters urging him to reconsider. Party sources also indicated dissatisfaction over ticket distribution in the NMC elections, particularly the denial of nominations to several of his associates from prabhag 16, a ward he represented for four consecutive terms. More than 30 workers reportedly resigned following the decision in Jan.At the time, Joshi maintained that his decision was final, stating, “I considered it for the last three to four months. There is no chance I will take back my resignation even if the CM appeals.” He also clarified that he would continue social and sports-related work outside electoral politics.