Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran has stepped down from his post, following which the Tata Group's stocks reportedly tumbled on Wednesday. In a statement detailing the move, Chandrasekaran said the Tata trust had unanimously recommended the extension of his tenure for another five years after his term was due to end in February 2027. However, ‘in absence of unanimous support’, Chandrasekaran said he was deferring the decision.File photo of Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran (REUTERS)Here is the full text of Chandrasekaran's statement after he announced his resignation:"My current tenure as the Chairman of Tata Sons comes to an end on Feb 20, 2027. Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust had unanimously resolved and recommended the extension of my next term for a period of five years, which was recorded and recommended by the Tata Sons Nomination and Remuneration Committee and the Board. Subsequently, the resolution was tabled in the Tata Sons Board on Feb 24, 2026. However, the proposal was not carried through because one of the Board Members did not support it, and in the absence of unanimous support, I chose to defer the decision.It has been 6 months since that Board meeting, and no resolution has been reached till date. Tata Sons is a very large institution and there are many strategic projects that are under critical stages of execution. It is not only necessary to have a leader in place to lead the Group beyond Feb 2027, but also clarity on leadership is important for employees, investors, partners and other stakeholders.Under these circumstances, earlier today, I have communicated to the Tata Sons Board, that I have decided not to offer myself for reappointment when my term ends on Feb 20, 2027. I have asked the Board to decide on the succession soon to ensure a proper transition.I am grateful for the support of all stakeholders.With warm regards,Chandra"