The Mahayuti alliance leaders met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence on Thursday (November 28) after days of discussions. The alliance meeting held to pick the new Maharashtra chief minister went on for over two hours, but no formal announcement on the next CM's name was made. Reports said the name will be announced after the legislators' meeting in Mumbai in the presence of BJP observers from Delhi.

Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief&nbsp;Eknath Shinde, former CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar were there to hold discussions with Amit Shah in the&nbsp;presence of JP Nadda. NCP leader Praful Patel was also present at the meeting.&nbsp;

Before the meeting, caretaker CM Eknath Shinde arrived in the national capital on Thursday and met Amit Shah at his residence, where BJP national president JP Nadda was already there. 
 
As per reports, discussions were also held&nbsp;on the allocation of ministries and portfolios among the alliance partners.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-maha-battle-shinde-says-told-pm-modi-to-take-decision-amid-suspense-over-cm-post-779637">Also read:&nbsp;The ‘Maha’ battle: Shinde says told PM Modi to take decision amid suspense over CM post</a>

Earlier on Wednesday, while addressing a presser over CM suspense, Shinde said, “The huge amount of votes we received was only because of the work we did. We are really the real brothers of our 'Laadli Behens', and they kept this in mind before voting.”

“I am not the kind who gets upset, we are the kind of people who fight, fight for the people,” Shinde added. “All the work I do, I will do for the people of Maharashtra. What is important is not what I get, but what the people of the state get,” Shinde said.

Watch |&nbsp;Maharashtra News: Who Will Be The Next Chief Minister Of Maharashtra?

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Results were announced for the assembly elections in Maharashtra on November 23, in which the Mahayuti alliance registered a landslide victory. The alliance won 235 of the total 288 seats, with BJP alone contributing 132 seats. Fadnavis is now being termed by BJP leaders as the architect of this massive victory, with party leaders recommending his name for the CM's post.

However, the leaders of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) are rooting for Eknath Shinde. The Mahayuti alliance had Shinde as their chief minister in the previous term.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Mahayuti alliance leaders met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence on Thursday (November 28) after days of discussions. The alliance meeting held to pick the new Maharashtra chief minister went on for over two hours, but no formal announcement on the next CM's name was made.

The Mahayuti alliance leaders met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence on Thursday (November 28) after days of discussions. The alliance meeting held to pick the new Maharashtra chief minister went on for over two hours, but no formal announcement on the next CM's name was made. Reports said the name will be announced after the legislators' meeting in Mumbai in the presence of BJP observers from Delhi. Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, former CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar were there to hold discussions with Amit Shah in the presence of JP Nadda. NCP leader Praful Patel was also present at the meeting. Before the meeting, caretaker CM Eknath Shinde arrived in the national capital on Thursday and met Amit Shah at his residence, where BJP national president JP Nadda was already there. As per reports, discussions were also held on the allocation of ministries and portfolios among the alliance partners. Also read: The ‘Maha’ battle: Shinde says told PM Modi to take decision amid suspense over CM post Earlier on Wednesday, while addressing a presser over CM suspense, Shinde said, “The huge amount of votes we received was only because of the work we did. We are really the real brothers of our 'Laadli Behens', and they kept this in mind before voting.” “I am not the kind who gets upset, we are the kind of people who fight, fight for the people,” Shinde added. “All the work I do, I will do for the people of Maharashtra. What is important is not what I get, but what the people of the state get,” Shinde said. Watch | Maharashtra News: Who Will Be The Next Chief Minister Of Maharashtra? × Results were announced for the assembly elections in Maharashtra on November 23, in which the Mahayuti alliance registered a landslide victory. The alliance won 235 of the total 288 seats, with BJP alone contributing 132 seats. Fadnavis is now being termed by BJP leaders as the architect of this massive victory, with party leaders recommending his name for the CM's post. However, the leaders of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) are rooting for Eknath Shinde. The Mahayuti alliance had Shinde as their chief minister in the previous term. (With inputs from agencies)

Mahayuti alliance leaders meet at Amit Shah's residence to decide Maharashtra CM, suspense continues

It's election season in India as the states of Maharashtra and Jharkhand recently voted in assembly polls. The election for 288 seats in Maharashtra was held in a single phase on November 20, while Jharkhand voted in two phases – November 13 and November 20 – for a total of 81 assembly seats.

It's election season in India as the states of Maharashtra and Jharkhand recently voted in assembly polls. The election for 288 seats in Maharashtra was held in a single phase on November 20, while Jharkhand voted in two phases – November 13 and November 20 – for a total of 81 assembly seats. The counting of votes in Maharashtra and Jharkhand began at 8:00 am local time on Saturday (Nov 23). The counting of votes also began for 48 assembly and two Lok Sabha seats across 15 states. These elections come months after the Lok Sabha election was held in India, in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious, and formed the central government for a third consecutive term. Here's a look at the latest updates from the assembly election results in Maharashtra and Jharkhand: Maharashtra: > Latest trends from the Election Commission of India (ECI) show that the NDA-led Mahayuti is set for a landslide victory in Maharashtra. The Mahayuti comprises the BJP, the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP- Ajit Pawar faction), and other smaller parties. Click here to follow all updates on vote counting in Maharashtra > ECI trends showed that the Mahayuti has crossed the 145-seat majority mark in Maharashtra as it is leading in over 210 seats. The alliance has won 10 seats so far. > Outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his gratitude to the voters and thanked the party workers for expected win. > "I thank all the workers of Mahayuti. PM Modi, Amit Shah bhai, Nadda ji - all supported us. They gave priority to Maharashtra. I am proud that I have been proven right about what I had said that we will win 200 seats. We (Mahayuti) fought like a team...," Chief Minister Shinde said. #WATCH | Mumbai | Mahayuti is set to form the govt in the state, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, "I thank all the workers of Mahayuti. PM Modi, Amit Shah bhai, Nadda ji - all supported us. They gave priority to Maharashtra. I am proud that I have been proven right about what I… pic.twitter.com/0D7YrVnkOx — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024 × > The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra, meanwhile, is trailing as it is leading in just a little over 50 assembly seats. The MVA comprises the Congress, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction), and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). > Till now, the MVA has only won one seat. Jharkhand: > Latest trends from the ECI showed that the INDIA bloc is leading in Jharkhand. The INDIA bloc comprises the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the Congress, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) along with smaller parties. > Trends show that the INDIA bloc is leading with 57 seats in Jharkhand, crossing the majority mark of 40 seats. #WATCH | #JharkhandAssemblyElection2024 | Ranchi: MoS Defence and BJP MP Sanjay Seth says, "...Jharkhand has 81 seats and Maharashtra has 288 seats. The scope is greater there. We have 81 seats, so the scope is less. But I can confidently say that as the sun goes up, gap will… pic.twitter.com/2lOMvHRFsr — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024 × > The BJP-led NDA, meanwhile, is trailing as it has secured lead in over 21 seats. Click here to follow all updates on vote counting in Jharkhand > Reacting to the trends, Union Minister and BJP leader Sanjay Seth expressed confidence that the BJP will fight back and maintain its lead in Jharkhand. > "...Jharkhand has 81 seats and Maharashtra has 288 seats. The scope is greater there. We have 81 seats, so the scope is less. But I can confidently say that as the sun goes up, the gap will increase...I can confidently say that the wave of change that was seen in Jharkhand - corruption, vote jihad, shattering of the dreams of youth, atrocities of women in 5 years," Union Minister Seth told the news agency ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly polls in India: Mahayuti set for landslide win in Maharashtra; INDIA bloc cross majority in J'khand

India’s top court on Wednesday (Nov 13) rebuked the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a party in the Indian state of Maharashtra,&nbsp;for using photos and videos of party founder Sharad Pawar. The Ajit faction had orchestrated a split from Sharad’s party in July last year and joined the ruling alliance led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Meanwhile, the faction led by Sharad Pawar remains a part of the opposition INDIA bloc.

Before the top court, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was representing the Sharad Pawar faction, claimed that junior Pawar was violating earlier SC ruling by blatantly using videos of Sharad Pawar in election campaigning. Singhvi added that the Ajit faction wanted to “piggyback” on the reputation of the senior Pawar.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjpg7HP0dmJAxXFsVYBHdKrHIoQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mva-release-manifesto-ahead-of-maharashtra-assembly-elections-promises-these-five-guarantees-774993" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mva-release-manifesto-ahead-of-maharashtra-assembly-elections-promises-these-five-guarantees-774993&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjpg7HP0dmJAxXFsVYBHdKrHIoQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">MVA releases manifesto ahead of Maharashtra assembly elections: Promises these ‘five guarantees’</a>

Responding to the charges, advocate Balbir Singh, who was representing the Ajit faction, claimed the videos were doctored and the party never used Sharad Pawar’s images in poll campaigning. In response, Singhvi said the video in question was shared by the official handle of Amol Mitkari, a politician affiliated with the Ajit Pawar faction.

Justice Suryakant then scolded Balbir Singh and asked the Ajit faction to “Stand on your own legs.”

“Whether or not it is an old video, with Sharad Pawar, you have an ideological difference and are competing against him. Stand on your own legs,” the supreme court justice noted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjpg7HP0dmJAxXFsVYBHdKrHIoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-women-welfare-food-security-health-bjp-releases-manifesto-for-maharashtra-elections-774981" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-women-welfare-food-security-health-bjp-releases-manifesto-for-maharashtra-elections-774981&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjpg7HP0dmJAxXFsVYBHdKrHIoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Focus on women welfare, food security, health: BJP releases manifesto for Maharashtra elections</a>

Justice Suryakant further advised, “Concentrate on the battlefield. The people are wise; they know who is Sharad Pawar and who is Ajit Pawar. Video clips may or may not influence them, but the Court’s order must be respected.”

Earlier, the opposition INDIA bloc had raised concerns that the Ajit faction was still using images of Sharad Pawar to create confusion among voters. The court also directed the Ajit faction to issue a message to all candidates not to use images and campaigning material carrying visuals of Sharad Pawar.

The case will now be heard on November 19.

According to arguments made before the court, the Ajit faction and Sharad Pawar faction are going head-to-head in 36 assembly seats in Maharashtra state. The polls in the state will be held on November 20.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s top court on Wednesday (Nov 13) rebuked the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a party in the Indian state of Maharashtra, for using photos and videos of party founder Sharad Pawar.

India’s top court on Wednesday (Nov 13) rebuked the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a party in the Indian state of Maharashtra, for using photos and videos of party founder Sharad Pawar. The Ajit faction had orchestrated a split from Sharad’s party in July last year and joined the ruling alliance led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Meanwhile, the faction led by Sharad Pawar remains a part of the opposition INDIA bloc. Before the top court, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was representing the Sharad Pawar faction, claimed that junior Pawar was violating earlier SC ruling by blatantly using videos of Sharad Pawar in election campaigning. Singhvi added that the Ajit faction wanted to “piggyback” on the reputation of the senior Pawar. Also read: MVA releases manifesto ahead of Maharashtra assembly elections: Promises these ‘five guarantees’ Responding to the charges, advocate Balbir Singh, who was representing the Ajit faction, claimed the videos were doctored and the party never used Sharad Pawar’s images in poll campaigning. In response, Singhvi said the video in question was shared by the official handle of Amol Mitkari, a politician affiliated with the Ajit Pawar faction. Justice Suryakant then scolded Balbir Singh and asked the Ajit faction to “Stand on your own legs.” “Whether or not it is an old video, with Sharad Pawar, you have an ideological difference and are competing against him. Stand on your own legs,” the supreme court justice noted. Also read: Focus on women welfare, food security, health: BJP releases manifesto for Maharashtra elections Justice Suryakant further advised, “Concentrate on the battlefield. The people are wise; they know who is Sharad Pawar and who is Ajit Pawar. Video clips may or may not influence them, but the Court’s order must be respected.” Earlier, the opposition INDIA bloc had raised concerns that the Ajit faction was still using images of Sharad Pawar to create confusion among voters. The court also directed the Ajit faction to issue a message to all candidates not to use images and campaigning material carrying visuals of Sharad Pawar. The case will now be heard on November 19. According to arguments made before the court, the Ajit faction and Sharad Pawar faction are going head-to-head in 36 assembly seats in Maharashtra state. The polls in the state will be held on November 20. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Stand on your own legs,’ SC scolds Ajit-led NCP over using Sharad Pawar’s images in campaigning

With less than a month to go, Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for a colossal battle of two alliances that did not exist merely three years ago. The voting for the 288 seats is set to take place on November 20 as national parties like Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) flex their muscle. Eyes will also be firmly on the divided Shiv Sena (SS) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as they enter their maiden elections after the internal split out in recent years. &nbsp;

<h2>What has happened in the last five years?</h2>

In the last five years&nbsp;unified SS, once an ally of BJP, decided to break the alliance and form a government with INC and NCP in 2019. Uddhav Thackeray, son of SS’s founder Bal Thackeray, became chief minister of state and gave a new direction to Maharashtra’s politics. An internal conflict in SS in June 2022 saw Eknath Shinde march out of the alliance and form a government with the BJP.

This meant that Shiv Sena was divided into two parties – Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde) and Shiv Sena-UBT (Uddhav Bal Thackeray). SS-UBT would remain part of the INDIA bloc where INC is the leading national party.

A similar pattern also followed in the NCP, which also got divided in July 2023 when veteran leader Ajit Pawar decided to shake hands with BJP and SS in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Subsequently, the party was divided into – NCP and NCP-SP (Sharadchandra Pawar).

<h2>Background</h2>

While there has been plenty of bad blood between Shiv Sena’s two factions, the same has not been the case in NCP. While Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde openly criticise each other, friction has only increased whenever they get the opportunity. The Dussehra Melawa (Shiv Sena’s annual public program on Vijayadashami festival) has seen plenty of bad blood being exchanged. The two factions have also gone personal to criticise one another since separation.

On the other hand, Ajit Pawar has been a silent customer despite being in the NDA. Interestingly, he refrains from directly criticising his uncle and former chief minister Sharad Pawar. While he sits in power with the BJP, Pawar and his supporters still maintain a mutual respect for NCP-SP’s supreme leader. NCP’s members who decided to join NDA went to meet Sharad Pawar in July 2023, days after the party was split.

While the friction was given a new turn in the general elections of 2024 where Ajit would field his wife Sunetra Pawar against Sharad Pawar’s daughter and sitting Member of Parliament Supriya Sule from the Baramati constituency, there was still no bad blood in the families. Sule would win the seat convincingly while Sunetra Pawar was later sent to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Indian parliament). Despite all the chaos, NCP leaders still maintain close contact and mutual respect for NCP-SP leaders and family.

<h2>Why NCP will be the kingmaker?</h2>

While it is almost unlikely for Shiv Sena to get unified after the elections, that won’t be the case in NCP. The base of mutual respect and Ajit Pawar’s reluctance to criticise Sharad Pawar shows that there is still humbleness in the NCP. If there is a scenario where the NCP could yet get unified with Ajit Pawar faction leaders seeking an apology, they are likely to be welcomed back with open arms.

<h2>Numbers game</h2>

While everyone is likely to write off Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction after a dismal show in the 2024 general elections, there is a number’s game that could prove otherwise. It is expected that Ajit Pawar’s NCP will get around 50 seats to contest in the Assembly elections in NDA. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar’s NCP is likely to contest on around 90 seats from the INDIA bloc. Considering, Ajit Pawar NCP’s poor strike rate in the general elections of 2024, they will be expected to win anything between 15-20 seats.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-poll-body-rejects-oppositions-baseless-allegations-of-irregularities-in-haryana-polls-771771">India’s poll body rejects Opposition’s ‘baseless’ allegations of irregularities in Haryana polls</a>

On the other hand, Sharad Pawar’s NCP will be expected to win anything between 60-70 after their 80 per cent win strike rate in general elections (NCP-SP won eight of the 10 Lok Sabha seats they contested).

If both the cases are met and the NCP decides to get unified after elections, the NCP could have anything in the region of 75-90 seats in the house. Interestingly, this could be the biggest success for NCP since its birth with their previous best being in 2004 where they won 71 seats.

According to strike rate conversion from general elections, a unified NCP&nbsp;could be the second-biggest party in the state after the BJP (likely to win about 80-90 seats based on Lok Sabha strike rate conversion). On the other hand, a unified Shiv Sena could clinch between 60-75 seats, but are unlikely to shake hands, meaning NCP could be the kingmakers in the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 as no party could form a government without their support in the house.

With less than a month to go, Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for a colossal battle of two alliances that did not exist merely three years ago. The voting for the 288 seats is set to take place on November 20 as national parties like Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) flex their muscle.

With less than a month to go, Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for a colossal battle of two alliances that did not exist merely three years ago. The voting for the 288 seats is set to take place on November 20 as national parties like Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) flex their muscle. Eyes will also be firmly on the divided Shiv Sena (SS) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as they enter their maiden elections after the internal split out in recent years. What has happened in the last five years? In the last five years unified SS, once an ally of BJP, decided to break the alliance and form a government with INC and NCP in 2019. Uddhav Thackeray, son of SS’s founder Bal Thackeray, became chief minister of state and gave a new direction to Maharashtra’s politics. An internal conflict in SS in June 2022 saw Eknath Shinde march out of the alliance and form a government with the BJP. This meant that Shiv Sena was divided into two parties – Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde) and Shiv Sena-UBT (Uddhav Bal Thackeray). SS-UBT would remain part of the INDIA bloc where INC is the leading national party. A similar pattern also followed in the NCP, which also got divided in July 2023 when veteran leader Ajit Pawar decided to shake hands with BJP and SS in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Subsequently, the party was divided into – NCP and NCP-SP (Sharadchandra Pawar). Background While there has been plenty of bad blood between Shiv Sena’s two factions, the same has not been the case in NCP. While Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde openly criticise each other, friction has only increased whenever they get the opportunity. The Dussehra Melawa (Shiv Sena’s annual public program on Vijayadashami festival) has seen plenty of bad blood being exchanged. The two factions have also gone personal to criticise one another since separation. On the other hand, Ajit Pawar has been a silent customer despite being in the NDA. Interestingly, he refrains from directly criticising his uncle and former chief minister Sharad Pawar. While he sits in power with the BJP, Pawar and his supporters still maintain a mutual respect for NCP-SP’s supreme leader. NCP’s members who decided to join NDA went to meet Sharad Pawar in July 2023, days after the party was split. While the friction was given a new turn in the general elections of 2024 where Ajit would field his wife Sunetra Pawar against Sharad Pawar’s daughter and sitting Member of Parliament Supriya Sule from the Baramati constituency, there was still no bad blood in the families. Sule would win the seat convincingly while Sunetra Pawar was later sent to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Indian parliament). Despite all the chaos, NCP leaders still maintain close contact and mutual respect for NCP-SP leaders and family. Why NCP will be the kingmaker? While it is almost unlikely for Shiv Sena to get unified after the elections, that won’t be the case in NCP. The base of mutual respect and Ajit Pawar’s reluctance to criticise Sharad Pawar shows that there is still humbleness in the NCP. If there is a scenario where the NCP could yet get unified with Ajit Pawar faction leaders seeking an apology, they are likely to be welcomed back with open arms. Numbers game While everyone is likely to write off Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction after a dismal show in the 2024 general elections, there is a number’s game that could prove otherwise. It is expected that Ajit Pawar’s NCP will get around 50 seats to contest in the Assembly elections in NDA. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar’s NCP is likely to contest on around 90 seats from the INDIA bloc. Considering, Ajit Pawar NCP’s poor strike rate in the general elections of 2024, they will be expected to win anything between 15-20 seats. ALSO READ | India’s poll body rejects Opposition’s ‘baseless’ allegations of irregularities in Haryana polls On the other hand, Sharad Pawar’s NCP will be expected to win anything between 60-70 after their 80 per cent win strike rate in general elections (NCP-SP won eight of the 10 Lok Sabha seats they contested). If both the cases are met and the NCP decides to get unified after elections, the NCP could have anything in the region of 75-90 seats in the house. Interestingly, this could be the biggest success for NCP since its birth with their previous best being in 2004 where they won 71 seats. According to strike rate conversion from general elections, a unified NCP could be the second-biggest party in the state after the BJP (likely to win about 80-90 seats based on Lok Sabha strike rate conversion). On the other hand, a unified Shiv Sena could clinch between 60-75 seats, but are unlikely to shake hands, meaning NCP could be the kingmakers in the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 as no party could form a government without their support in the house.

Explained: Why NCP will be the 'kingmaker' in Maharashtra assembly elections

Zeeshan Siddique, son of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui, who was shot dead on October 12, joined the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday (October 25).

Earlier in August, Zeeshan was expelled from Congress for&nbsp;voting against the party in Maharashtra’s legislative council elections, a claim he denies.

Zeeshan will once again contest for the Vandre (East) constituency, a seat he won in 2019 as a Congress candidate. This time, he will face Varun Sardesai, nephew of Uddhav Thackeray, whose Shiv Sena faction is allied with Congress and the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

"MVA declared their candidates and the Congress' seat (of Vandre (East) was given to the Shiv Sena (Thackeray's camp) ... this is very unfortunate. Congress and MVA leaders were in touch with me over the past few days... but they intended to deceive. In that difficult time, Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and the NCP trusted me," Zeeshan said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-border-row-disengagement-of-troops-begins-in-eastern-ladakhs-demchok-depsang-770520">India-China border row: Disengagement of troops begins in Demchok, Depsang</a>

“It is an emotional day for me and my family. I am thankful to Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare for believing in me in these tough times. I have got the nomination from Bandra East, I am sure that with the love and support of all the people, I will definitely win Bandra East yet again,” he added after joining the NCP.

Referring to his father’s legacy, Zeeshan said, "His blood runs in my veins. I will fight his fight and win by a record margin."

Baba Siddiqui, 66, was shot down outside Zeeshan’s office in Bandra on October 12. Police have arrested 14 suspects and are investigating potential motives, including possible business rivalry and contract killing.

A former Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Baba Siddiqui served as a Congress MLA for the undivided Vandre seat for two terms. Following the seat’s division in 2008, he represented Vandre (West). Earlier this year, he also left Congress to join Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction.

(With inputs from agencies)

Zeeshan Siddique, son of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui, who was shot dead on October 12, joined the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday (October 25).

Zeeshan Siddique, son of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui, who was shot dead on October 12, joined the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday (October 25). Earlier in August, Zeeshan was expelled from Congress for voting against the party in Maharashtra’s legislative council elections, a claim he denies. Zeeshan will once again contest for the Vandre (East) constituency, a seat he won in 2019 as a Congress candidate. This time, he will face Varun Sardesai, nephew of Uddhav Thackeray, whose Shiv Sena faction is allied with Congress and the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi. "MVA declared their candidates and the Congress' seat (of Vandre (East) was given to the Shiv Sena (Thackeray's camp) ... this is very unfortunate. Congress and MVA leaders were in touch with me over the past few days... but they intended to deceive. In that difficult time, Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and the NCP trusted me," Zeeshan said. Also read: India-China border row: Disengagement of troops begins in Demchok, Depsang “It is an emotional day for me and my family. I am thankful to Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare for believing in me in these tough times. I have got the nomination from Bandra East, I am sure that with the love and support of all the people, I will definitely win Bandra East yet again,” he added after joining the NCP. Referring to his father’s legacy, Zeeshan said, "His blood runs in my veins. I will fight his fight and win by a record margin." Baba Siddiqui, 66, was shot down outside Zeeshan’s office in Bandra on October 12. Police have arrested 14 suspects and are investigating potential motives, including possible business rivalry and contract killing. A former Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Baba Siddiqui served as a Congress MLA for the undivided Vandre seat for two terms. Following the seat’s division in 2008, he represented Vandre (West). Earlier this year, he also left Congress to join Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction. (With inputs from agencies)

Baba Siddiqui's son Zeeshan Siddique joins Ajit Pawar's NCP ahead of Maharashtra elections

The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 24) directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP to use the "clock" symbol in its publicity material in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a disclaimer that the matter was sub-judice before it.

Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan passed the order on a plea filed by the rival Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction as it issued a notice to the Ajit Pawar-led faction.

The top court on March 19 and April 4 had directed the Ajit Pawar-led faction to issue a public notice in the newspapers in English, Hindi and Marathi editions notifying that the allocation of "clock" symbol was sub-judice. The apex court had further said the Ajit faction was permitted to use the symbol subject to the case's final outcome.

During the proceedings on Thursday, the bench took note of the submissions of senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for the Sharad Pawar faction. Singhvi submitted that the opponent group should be restrained from using the "clock" symbol as it didn't use the disclaimer in their campaign materials and "misled" voters.

"They have been blatantly not using the disclaimer. They want to piggyback on me. Nobody should enjoy the goodwill of the symbol which is sub-judice," submitted Singhvi.

The top court directed Ajit Pawar to file a fresh undertaking over its March 19 and April 4 directions to issue a public notice&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;"NCP's 'clock' symbol is sub-judice" –&nbsp;was being meticulously complied with even during the process of the state assembly elections.

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"File a fresh undertaking as well that you have not violated our directions in the past and till the end of elections. If there is any violation, we will take note of it. We expect both sides to comply with our directions. Please don't create an embarrassing situation," the bench said.

Singhvi said the Ajit Pawar group should be allocated a new symbol for the assembly elections.

Senior advocate Balbir Singh, appearing for Ajit Pawar, opposed Singhvi's submissions and said all pamphlets and campaign materials contained the disclaimers as directed by the apex court.

"They are showing false documents. We have given disclaimers in our publicity material. They came up with the same allegations during the Lok Sabha polls which were rejected. I am willing to file all documents and pamphlets," Singh said.

The matter has been posted for hearing on November 6.

Sharad Pawar moved the apex court against a February 6 order of the Election Commission of India (ECI) recognising Ajit Pawar-led group as the real NCP.

The ECI had allotted the NCP's "clock" symbol to the group led by Ajit Pawar. The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, had the "clock" as its election symbol before its split.

On March 19, the top court allowed the Sharad Pawar faction to use "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as its name along with the symbol of a man blowing "turha" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in the country.

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It had passed the order on a plea by the Sharad Pawar group seeking to restrain the Ajit Pawar faction from using the "clock" symbol for the polls, as allotted by the ECI, on the ground that it was disrupting the level playing field.

The top court had observed the name and photographs of Sharad Pawar could not be used by the Ajit Pawar faction for political gains. 
 
On February 19, the top court directed for the continuation of the ECI order allotting "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as the party name for the Sharad Pawar faction.

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar had on February 15 held the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar to be the real NCP and said the anti-defection provisions in the Constitution couldn't be used to stifle internal dissent.

Sharad Pawar had founded the NCP with former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Sangma and Tariq Anwar in 1999 after their expulsion from Congress. 
 
Ajit Pawar had walked away with a majority of the NCP MLAs in July 2023 and supported the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Eknath Shinde.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 24) directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP to use the "clock" symbol in its publicity material in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a disclaimer that the matter was sub-judice before it.

The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 24) directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP to use the "clock" symbol in its publicity material in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a disclaimer that the matter was sub-judice before it. Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan passed the order on a plea filed by the rival Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction as it issued a notice to the Ajit Pawar-led faction. The top court on March 19 and April 4 had directed the Ajit Pawar-led faction to issue a public notice in the newspapers in English, Hindi and Marathi editions notifying that the allocation of "clock" symbol was sub-judice. The apex court had further said the Ajit faction was permitted to use the symbol subject to the case's final outcome. During the proceedings on Thursday, the bench took note of the submissions of senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for the Sharad Pawar faction. Singhvi submitted that the opponent group should be restrained from using the "clock" symbol as it didn't use the disclaimer in their campaign materials and "misled" voters. "They have been blatantly not using the disclaimer. They want to piggyback on me. Nobody should enjoy the goodwill of the symbol which is sub-judice," submitted Singhvi. The top court directed Ajit Pawar to file a fresh undertaking over its March 19 and April 4 directions to issue a public notice – "NCP's 'clock' symbol is sub-judice" – was being meticulously complied with even during the process of the state assembly elections. Also Read | ‘Tardy’ paddy procurement: Indian farmers to protest, block roads in Punjab on Saturday "File a fresh undertaking as well that you have not violated our directions in the past and till the end of elections. If there is any violation, we will take note of it. We expect both sides to comply with our directions. Please don't create an embarrassing situation," the bench said. Singhvi said the Ajit Pawar group should be allocated a new symbol for the assembly elections. Senior advocate Balbir Singh, appearing for Ajit Pawar, opposed Singhvi's submissions and said all pamphlets and campaign materials contained the disclaimers as directed by the apex court. "They are showing false documents. We have given disclaimers in our publicity material. They came up with the same allegations during the Lok Sabha polls which were rejected. I am willing to file all documents and pamphlets," Singh said. The matter has been posted for hearing on November 6. Sharad Pawar moved the apex court against a February 6 order of the Election Commission of India (ECI) recognising Ajit Pawar-led group as the real NCP. The ECI had allotted the NCP's "clock" symbol to the group led by Ajit Pawar. The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, had the "clock" as its election symbol before its split. On March 19, the top court allowed the Sharad Pawar faction to use "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as its name along with the symbol of a man blowing "turha" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in the country. Also Read | India’s MEA Jaishankar at BRICS says disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue, diplomacy It had passed the order on a plea by the Sharad Pawar group seeking to restrain the Ajit Pawar faction from using the "clock" symbol for the polls, as allotted by the ECI, on the ground that it was disrupting the level playing field. The top court had observed the name and photographs of Sharad Pawar could not be used by the Ajit Pawar faction for political gains. On February 19, the top court directed for the continuation of the ECI order allotting "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as the party name for the Sharad Pawar faction. Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar had on February 15 held the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar to be the real NCP and said the anti-defection provisions in the Constitution couldn't be used to stifle internal dissent. Sharad Pawar had founded the NCP with former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Sangma and Tariq Anwar in 1999 after their expulsion from Congress. Ajit Pawar had walked away with a majority of the NCP MLAs in July 2023 and supported the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Eknath Shinde. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Supreme Court allows Ajit Pawar’s NCP to use ‘clock’ symbol in Maharashtra elections, with disclaimer

Four prominent leaders have stepped down from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad, delivering a significant setback to Ajit Pawar's leadership following the party's underperformance in the recent Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The leaders are expected to join Sharad Pawar's party later this week.

Ajit Gavhane, the chief of NCP's Pimpri-Chinchwad unit, is among those leaders who have tendered their resignations to Ajit Pawar.&nbsp;

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The others include Pimpri Chinchwad Students' Wing chief Yash Sane, and former corporators, Rahul Bhosale and Pankaj Bhalekar.

Notably, the resignations come amid a buzz that some leaders in the Ajit Pawar camp are willing to return to the Sharad Pawar fold.

Last month, Sharad Pawar stated that those aiming to undermine his party would not be welcomed, but he would accept leaders who do not tarnish the party's reputation.

"Those who wanted to weaken the party would not be taken in. But those leaders who would help strengthen it and not tarnish the image of the party would be taken in," he had said.

It may be mentioned here, the Pawar family split into two political parties after a revolt by Ajit Pawar against his uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar in 2023.&nbsp;

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Although Sharad Pawar remained in the Opposition camp, Ajit Pawar joined the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and was rewarded with the post of deputy.

Ajit Pawar's party contested the Lok Sabha elections as part of the BJP-led NDA but managed to win only one seat, Raigad, whereas his uncle's party secured eight seats.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four prominent leaders have stepped down from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad, delivering a significant setback to Ajit Pawar's leadership following the party's underperformance in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

Four prominent leaders have stepped down from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad, delivering a significant setback to Ajit Pawar's leadership following the party's underperformance in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The leaders are expected to join Sharad Pawar's party later this week. Ajit Gavhane, the chief of NCP's Pimpri-Chinchwad unit, is among those leaders who have tendered their resignations to Ajit Pawar. Also read: NEET-UG scam: Accused who stole exam paper from NTA trunk in Jharkhand arrested The others include Pimpri Chinchwad Students' Wing chief Yash Sane, and former corporators, Rahul Bhosale and Pankaj Bhalekar. Notably, the resignations come amid a buzz that some leaders in the Ajit Pawar camp are willing to return to the Sharad Pawar fold. Last month, Sharad Pawar stated that those aiming to undermine his party would not be welcomed, but he would accept leaders who do not tarnish the party's reputation. "Those who wanted to weaken the party would not be taken in. But those leaders who would help strengthen it and not tarnish the image of the party would be taken in," he had said. It may be mentioned here, the Pawar family split into two political parties after a revolt by Ajit Pawar against his uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar in 2023. Also read: Indian Supreme Court gets two more judges, the first from state of Manipur Although Sharad Pawar remained in the Opposition camp, Ajit Pawar joined the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and was rewarded with the post of deputy. Ajit Pawar's party contested the Lok Sabha elections as part of the BJP-led NDA but managed to win only one seat, Raigad, whereas his uncle's party secured eight seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Four key leaders resign from Ajit Pawar's party following electoral defeat

The Shiv Sena has voiced dissatisfaction with not getting any Cabinet positions in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) cabinet.

The Shiv Sena has voiced dissatisfaction with not getting any Cabinet positions in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) cabinet. This comes one day after Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) voiced dissatisfaction about its MPs receiving a Minister of State position despite asking for a Cabinet position. The top leader of the Eknath Shinde-led party, Shrirang Barne, stated, "We were expecting a Cabinet berth," given the percentage of other NDA allies in the new Council of Ministers. "Chirag Paswan got five MPs, [Jitan Ram] Manjhi got one, JDS got two MPs... yet they received one Cabinet post each. Despite having seven Lok Sabha seats, why did Shiv Sena only receive one Minister of State (MoS) post with independent charge? Shiv Sena is an old ally of BJP. Shiv Sena should have received a Cabinet post at least for that," Barne said. Also read: First Modi 3.0 cabinet meet ends, govt to help 300mn people build houses On Sunday (June 9), NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel described the Minister of State offer as a "demotion". They expressed their discontent with it just before the June 9 swearing-in ceremony. "Praful Patel, having served as a Cabinet minister in the central government, expressed that they didn't feel it was appropriate to accept the position of Minister of State with independent charge. So we told them [BJP] that we are ready to wait for a few days, but we want a Cabinet post. We are going to attend the swearing-in ceremony today," Ajit Pawar said on Saturday. In the recently ended Lok Sabha elections, Ajit Pawar's NCP secured one of the four seats out of a total of 48 seats in the western state of Maharashtra, while the Shiv Sena won seven of the 15 seats it fought. The BJP secured nine seats in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

After NCP, Shiv Sena expresses discontent over lack of cabinet positions in Modi 3.0 cabinet

The Ajit Pawar faction was on Thursday (March 14) questioned by the Supreme Court over&nbsp;using veteran leader Sharad Pawar's images for campaigning.

Officially recognised as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Ajit Pawar group was asked to file an undertaking by a bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan that they would neither directly nor indirectly use the name of Sharad Pawar.

It also suggested the Ajit Pawar group to use a symbol other than the 'clock' for elections so that there is no confusion.

The bench told counsel appearing for Ajit Pawar faction, "You are a different political party now. You have chosen not to be with him. Now stick to this. Why to use his (Sharad Pawar) picture... Go with your own identity now..."

The top court further issued a notice to the Ajit Pawar faction seeking reply by March 16 on an application filed by the Sharad Pawar group over 'misuse' of name, and pictures in order to appeal to voters.

The Supreme Court fixed the date&nbsp;for further hearing on the application for&nbsp;March 19.

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During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was appearing for the Sharad Pawar faction told the bench about the posters that were on display by the Ajit Pawar faction with the 'clock' symbol and an image of Sharad Pawar.

"This is blatant patent deception, riding piggyback on my goodwill," Singhvi said.&nbsp;

He then claimed, "Democracy, fair and free elections, are part of the basic structure. If they are so confident to win the elections, then let them do that on their own."

To this, Justice Kant questioned senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the Ajit Pawar group as to why the faction was using Sharad Pawar's photographs. "If you are so confident, then use your photographs," the court said.

Singh responded claiming that this wasn't done by the party but by some stray members.

The bench told Singh, "Then who is responsible? You give an undertaking that you will stop all your members from using his (Sharad Pawar) photo... It is for you to control your workers."

"We need a categorical and unconditional undertaking that the name and pictures of Sharad Pawar will not be used," the bench further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Ajit Pawar faction was on Thursday (March 14) questioned by the Supreme Court over using veteran leader Sharad Pawar's images for campaigning. Officially recognised as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Ajit Pawar group was asked to file an undertaking by a bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan that they would neither directly nor indirectly use the name of Sharad Pawar.

The Ajit Pawar faction was on Thursday (March 14) questioned by the Supreme Court over using veteran leader Sharad Pawar's images for campaigning. Officially recognised as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Ajit Pawar group was asked to file an undertaking by a bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan that they would neither directly nor indirectly use the name of Sharad Pawar. It also suggested the Ajit Pawar group to use a symbol other than the 'clock' for elections so that there is no confusion. The bench told counsel appearing for Ajit Pawar faction, "You are a different political party now. You have chosen not to be with him. Now stick to this. Why to use his (Sharad Pawar) picture... Go with your own identity now..." The top court further issued a notice to the Ajit Pawar faction seeking reply by March 16 on an application filed by the Sharad Pawar group over 'misuse' of name, and pictures in order to appeal to voters. The Supreme Court fixed the date for further hearing on the application for March 19. Also read: 'One nation, one election': Ram Nath Kovind panel puts forward recommendations in its report During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was appearing for the Sharad Pawar faction told the bench about the posters that were on display by the Ajit Pawar faction with the 'clock' symbol and an image of Sharad Pawar. "This is blatant patent deception, riding piggyback on my goodwill," Singhvi said. He then claimed, "Democracy, fair and free elections, are part of the basic structure. If they are so confident to win the elections, then let them do that on their own." To this, Justice Kant questioned senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the Ajit Pawar group as to why the faction was using Sharad Pawar's photographs. "If you are so confident, then use your photographs," the court said. Singh responded claiming that this wasn't done by the party but by some stray members. The bench told Singh, "Then who is responsible? You give an undertaking that you will stop all your members from using his (Sharad Pawar) photo... It is for you to control your workers." "We need a categorical and unconditional undertaking that the name and pictures of Sharad Pawar will not be used," the bench further said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Stick to your identity': Supreme Court pulls up Ajit Pawar faction for using Sharad Pawar's images

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar on Thursday extended an invitation to Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, and the two deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for lunch at his Baramati residence on Saturday when the state leadership will visit the constituency to inaugurate several developmental projects.

BJP 2nd round of talks on seat sharing in Maharashtra; Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar meets Amit Shah

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar on Thursday extended an invitation to Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, and the two deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for lunch at his Baramati residence on Saturday when the state leadership will visit the constituency to inaugurate several developmental projects

India: Sharad Pawar invites Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar for lunch at residence

The founder of India’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar on Saturday (Feb 17) vehemently opposed a decision by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to give the party’s name to his nephew Ajit Pawar.

Pawar said it has never happened in the past that the founder himself was removed from the party. Pawar also said the decision of the ECI was against the law and he had approached the Supreme Court of India (SCI) to get the ECI order nullified.

"It has never happened before that those who formed a political party were removed from the party. Not only this, the party symbol was also taken away. This decision was not in accordance with the law. We have approached the Supreme Court in this matter. We will need to increase our public outreach," news agency ANI quoted Sharad Pawar as saying.

<h2>Sharad Pawar attacks nephew Ajit</h2>

Earlier on Friday (Feb 16), Sharad Pawar criticised nephew Ajit for going on a “different path”. He said he was not worried about losing the NCP name and symbol to him but didn’t approve of his ‘deviation’ from the path.

"But some of our colleagues deviated from this path. Some took away the party, some took away the symbol. I never worry about all this. Some people chose to go on a different path by forsaking ideology but people did not appreciate this move," he asserted while addressing a public meeting in Satara.

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Sharad Pawar added that power comes and goes but ideology, policies and the thought to take the country forward are permanent.

<h2>Pawar approaches Supreme Court</h2>

Pawar has also approached the SC for an urgent hearing against the ECI order of allotting the NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction.

Watch:&nbsp;India Farmers Protest: Situation tense in areas bordering New Delhi

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The decision to identify the Ajit faction as the real NCP was also upheld by Maharashtra assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.

Pawar-led NCP split into two factions in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar and eight state legislators joined the alliance backed by the national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

(With inputs from agencies)

The founder of India’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar on Saturday (Feb 17) vehemently opposed a decision by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to give the party’s name to his nephew Ajit Pawar.

The founder of India’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar on Saturday (Feb 17) vehemently opposed a decision by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to give the party’s name to his nephew Ajit Pawar. Pawar said it has never happened in the past that the founder himself was removed from the party. Pawar also said the decision of the ECI was against the law and he had approached the Supreme Court of India (SCI) to get the ECI order nullified. "It has never happened before that those who formed a political party were removed from the party. Not only this, the party symbol was also taken away. This decision was not in accordance with the law. We have approached the Supreme Court in this matter. We will need to increase our public outreach," news agency ANI quoted Sharad Pawar as saying. Sharad Pawar attacks nephew Ajit Earlier on Friday (Feb 16), Sharad Pawar criticised nephew Ajit for going on a “different path”. He said he was not worried about losing the NCP name and symbol to him but didn’t approve of his ‘deviation’ from the path. "But some of our colleagues deviated from this path. Some took away the party, some took away the symbol. I never worry about all this. Some people chose to go on a different path by forsaking ideology but people did not appreciate this move," he asserted while addressing a public meeting in Satara. Also read: Maharashtra Speaker affirms Ajit Pawar faction as real NCP, rejects disqualification appeals for both sides Sharad Pawar added that power comes and goes but ideology, policies and the thought to take the country forward are permanent. Pawar approaches Supreme Court Pawar has also approached the SC for an urgent hearing against the ECI order of allotting the NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction. Watch: India Farmers Protest: Situation tense in areas bordering New Delhi × The decision to identify the Ajit faction as the real NCP was also upheld by Maharashtra assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Pawar-led NCP split into two factions in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar and eight state legislators joined the alliance backed by the national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). (With inputs from agencies)

‘Never happened before in India,’ NCP founder Sharad Pawar reacts after losing party name, symbol to nephew

The Election Commission approved a new name for Sharad Pawar's NCP faction —&nbsp;Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar. Earlier, the senior Pawar faction had submitted three options for a new name to the Election Commission of India.

The group also expressed its preference for the banyan tree as its new symbol. The three names suggested by the Sharad Pawar group were Nationalist Congress Party Sharad Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar and Nationalist Congress Party Sharadrao Pawar.

The organisation desired to keep the initials of its founder and seasoned leader, Sharad Pawar, together with the words "Nationalist" and "Congress" in its new moniker. Additionally, the faction intends to adopt the banyan tree as its new emblem, signifying harmony, sturdiness, and longevity.

The Election Commission had asked the Sharad Pawar group to claim a new name and provide three preferences by Wednesday 4 pm, as the notification for the Rajya Sabha elections from Maharashtra is to be issued on February 8. Meanwhile, the Sharad Pawar group has challenged the Election Commission’s decision to recognise the Ajit Pawar faction as the real NCP and allot it the clock symbol in the Supreme Court.

The Election Commission is prejudiced and swayed by the ruling BJP at the Centre, alleged leaders of the Sharad Pawar faction.&nbsp;They claim&nbsp;that the Ajit Pawar faction has falsified documents and signatures in order to claim ownership of the NCP name and symbol.

The NCP split into two factions after Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar, rebelled against him and joined hands with the government in Maharashtra in November 2023.

Earlier also Ajit Pawar had rebelled but eventually rejoined the NCP and backed the Congress and Shiv Sena in forming the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission approved a new name for Sharad Pawar's NCP faction — Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar. Earlier, the senior Pawar faction had submitted three options for a new name to the Election Commission of India.

The Election Commission approved a new name for Sharad Pawar's NCP faction — Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar. Earlier, the senior Pawar faction had submitted three options for a new name to the Election Commission of India. The group also expressed its preference for the banyan tree as its new symbol. The three names suggested by the Sharad Pawar group were Nationalist Congress Party Sharad Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar and Nationalist Congress Party Sharadrao Pawar. The organisation desired to keep the initials of its founder and seasoned leader, Sharad Pawar, together with the words "Nationalist" and "Congress" in its new moniker. Additionally, the faction intends to adopt the banyan tree as its new emblem, signifying harmony, sturdiness, and longevity. The Election Commission had asked the Sharad Pawar group to claim a new name and provide three preferences by Wednesday 4 pm, as the notification for the Rajya Sabha elections from Maharashtra is to be issued on February 8. Meanwhile, the Sharad Pawar group has challenged the Election Commission’s decision to recognise the Ajit Pawar faction as the real NCP and allot it the clock symbol in the Supreme Court. The Election Commission is prejudiced and swayed by the ruling BJP at the Centre, alleged leaders of the Sharad Pawar faction. They claim that the Ajit Pawar faction has falsified documents and signatures in order to claim ownership of the NCP name and symbol. The NCP split into two factions after Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar, rebelled against him and joined hands with the government in Maharashtra in November 2023. Earlier also Ajit Pawar had rebelled but eventually rejoined the NCP and backed the Congress and Shiv Sena in forming the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Sharad Pawar’s faction gets a new name after losing ‘real NCP’ identity

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday (February 6) ruled that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is the real party. The decision is a setback to the party's founder&nbsp;and veteran politician Sharad Pawar who is the uncle of Ajit Pawar.

The name 'Nationalist Congress Party' and the electoral symbol has been given to Ajit Pawar faction.

The ECI however, has given Sharad Pawar faction a one-time option to claim name for a new political formation the veteran politician may want to form. But if he wants to do that, it will have to be done by 3 pm on February 7.

The latest decision from the ECI came after more than 10 hearings spread over more than six months.&nbsp;

<h2>What has ECI said?</h2>

Explaining its decision, the poll panel said the verdict was given after laid-out tests of the maintainability of the petition. These included tests of aims and objectives of the party constitution, tests of a majority both organisational and legislative and test of party constitution.

Watch | Uttarakhand government tables UCC bill

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The hearings began on July 1, 2023. Both, the Ajit Pawar faction (petitioner) and Sharad Pawar faction (respondent), had fielded strong legal teams. Mukul Rohatgi, Neeraj Kishan Kaul and Maninder Singh represented Ajit Pawar side while Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Devdatt Kamat were in the senior Pawar's corner.

The poll panel said that serious inconsistencies were found in terms of timeline in claims made by Sharad Pawar group when is sought to assert that it had the organisational majority. This, said ECI, made the claim untenable.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-presents-proof-of-ballot-paper-tampering-by-bjp-in-chandigarh-mayor-elections-687539">AAP presents 'proof' of ballot paper tampering by BJP in Chandigarh mayor elections</a>

The election commission said in its order that perhaps time has come for political parties to consider "voluntary wider public disclosures of party constitution, amendments thereof, if any internal electoral steps such as publication of electoral college, dates of elections, time and venue of elections of different tiers, candidates, compliant redressal mechanisms within their organizations, and list of elected office bearers, etc."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lok-sabha-report-urges-diplomatic-action-against-pakistans-terrorism-support-687407">Lok Sabha report urges diplomatic action against Pakistan for supporting terrorism</a>

"Such disclosures on their websites shall keep the most valuable stakeholder of electoral democracy, that is the electorate at large duly informed," the poll panel said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday (February 6) ruled that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is the real party.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday (February 6) ruled that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is the real party. The decision is a setback to the party's founder and veteran politician Sharad Pawar who is the uncle of Ajit Pawar. The name 'Nationalist Congress Party' and the electoral symbol has been given to Ajit Pawar faction. The ECI however, has given Sharad Pawar faction a one-time option to claim name for a new political formation the veteran politician may want to form. But if he wants to do that, it will have to be done by 3 pm on February 7. The latest decision from the ECI came after more than 10 hearings spread over more than six months. What has ECI said? Explaining its decision, the poll panel said the verdict was given after laid-out tests of the maintainability of the petition. These included tests of aims and objectives of the party constitution, tests of a majority both organisational and legislative and test of party constitution. Watch | Uttarakhand government tables UCC bill × The hearings began on July 1, 2023. Both, the Ajit Pawar faction (petitioner) and Sharad Pawar faction (respondent), had fielded strong legal teams. Mukul Rohatgi, Neeraj Kishan Kaul and Maninder Singh represented Ajit Pawar side while Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Devdatt Kamat were in the senior Pawar's corner. The poll panel said that serious inconsistencies were found in terms of timeline in claims made by Sharad Pawar group when is sought to assert that it had the organisational majority. This, said ECI, made the claim untenable. Also Read | AAP presents 'proof' of ballot paper tampering by BJP in Chandigarh mayor elections The election commission said in its order that perhaps time has come for political parties to consider "voluntary wider public disclosures of party constitution, amendments thereof, if any internal electoral steps such as publication of electoral college, dates of elections, time and venue of elections of different tiers, candidates, compliant redressal mechanisms within their organizations, and list of elected office bearers, etc." Also Read | Lok Sabha report urges diplomatic action against Pakistan for supporting terrorism "Such disclosures on their websites shall keep the most valuable stakeholder of electoral democracy, that is the electorate at large duly informed," the poll panel said. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar faction is the real NCP, rules ECI

The raging family fued between Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar has resulted in a major victory for the latter. The Election Commission has declared Ajit's faction as the real NCP after he led a rebellion in July 2023.

Ajit Pawar is the real NCP, says Election Commission

Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was given the Finance and Planning portfolio on Friday, nearly two weeks after he broke away from the original party and took oath as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister.

Eight of Pawar's NCP colleagues who were sworn in as ministers on July 2 were also allotted their portfolios, said a statement issued by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's office.

As per the statement, Dhananjay Munde has been given Agriculture, while Dilip Walse-Patil will be the Cooperative&nbsp;minister.

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The other NCP ministers with their allocated ministries are Hasan Mushrif (Medical Education), Chhagan Bhujbal (Food and Civil Supplies), Dharmrao Atram (Food and Drugs Administration), Sanjay Bansode (Sports), Aditi Tatkare (Woman and Child Development) and Anil Patil (Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management), it said.

With the inclusion of 9 NCP ministers, there are 29 cabinet ministers in Maharashtra.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-eu-parliament-slams-india-over-manipur-violence-new-delhi-retorts-615174">EU Parliament condemns India over Manipur violence, New Delhi slams 'colonial mindset'</a>

Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLAs apparently had objected to the allocation of Finance and Planning to Pawar.

With Tatkare's induction, for the first time, a woman MLA has been given a cabinet berth in the Shinde government.

In the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Tatkare was a minister of state with several portfolios.

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Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was given the Finance and Planning portfolio on Friday, nearly two weeks after he broke away from the original party and took oath as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister.

Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was given the Finance and Planning portfolio on Friday, nearly two weeks after he broke away from the original party and took oath as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister. Eight of Pawar's NCP colleagues who were sworn in as ministers on July 2 were also allotted their portfolios, said a statement issued by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's office. As per the statement, Dhananjay Munde has been given Agriculture, while Dilip Walse-Patil will be the Cooperative minister. Also read | India: Noida schools will remain closed on Friday as Yamuna water level rises The other NCP ministers with their allocated ministries are Hasan Mushrif (Medical Education), Chhagan Bhujbal (Food and Civil Supplies), Dharmrao Atram (Food and Drugs Administration), Sanjay Bansode (Sports), Aditi Tatkare (Woman and Child Development) and Anil Patil (Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management), it said. With the inclusion of 9 NCP ministers, there are 29 cabinet ministers in Maharashtra. Also read | EU Parliament condemns India over Manipur violence, New Delhi slams 'colonial mindset' Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLAs apparently had objected to the allocation of Finance and Planning to Pawar. With Tatkare's induction, for the first time, a woman MLA has been given a cabinet berth in the Shinde government. In the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Tatkare was a minister of state with several portfolios. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Maharashtra: NCP ministers given portfolios, new deputy CM Ajit Pawar gets finance

Tit-for-tat expulsions and appointments in both factions of the India's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) marked the beginning of a bitter battle for control of the party between Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and his uncle and party patriarch Sharad Pawar on Monday as the stage of the confrontation shifted from the government to the party.

India: Rival camps spar, who controls NCP | Ajit Pawar

Just days after he led a mutiny against his uncle Sharad Pawar,&nbsp;Maharashtra's new deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar&nbsp;said on Wednesday that he aspires to be the chief minister one day.&nbsp;

The faction led by Ajit Pawar also knocked on the doors of the Election Commission on Wednesday to claim the name and symbol of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as the group is apparently leading the number game.&nbsp;The group has filed over 40 affidavits of MLAs and MPs in his support. 
 
Ajit also pointed&nbsp;to the retirement age of government servants and BJP leaders and urged NCP&nbsp;president Sharad Pawar to pass on the baton to the new generation.&nbsp; 
 
Addressing the party workers, Ajit Pawar said, "IAS officers retire at 60. Even in politics, BJP leaders retire at 75. You can see the example of LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi. You (Sharad Pawar) are 83, aren't you going to stop? Give us your blessings and we will pray that you live a long life."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has also received a caveat from Maharashtra NCP president Jayant Patil that they have initiated a disqualification process against nine MLAs.&nbsp;

Sharad Pawar claimed that he will "not allow anyone to snatch"' the name and symbol away.&nbsp;

Addressing&nbsp;party workers at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Pawar said, "There is no need to worry. The party symbol is with us, it is not going anywhere. The people and party workers who brought us to power are with us."&nbsp; 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-violence-1-beheaded-soldier-shot-mob-tries-to-loot-weapons-from-forces-612153">Manipur violence: Man beheaded, one shot dead, soldier shot; mob tries to loot weapons from forces</a>&nbsp;

A total of 35 of 53 NCP MLAs and five of the eight MLCs were present at the party meeting held by Ajit Pawar, who joined the Shiv Sena-BJP cabinet and took oath as deputy chief minister of the state.&nbsp;

The two factions of the NCP held separate meetings in Mumbai. Both sides even appointed their own chief whips amid the ongoing political crisis in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The chief whip for the Sharad Pawar faction will be Jitendra Awhad while Anil Patil has been appointed by the Ajit faction.&nbsp;

The Ajit group met at the Mumbai Education Trust (MET) premises in suburban Bandra at 11:00 am (IST) and the Sharad Pawar faction gathered at the YB Chavan Centre in south Mumbai around 1:00pm (IST) for its meeting as the battle for the party rages on.&nbsp;

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Sharad Pawar said, "Some of my colleagues have taken a different stand. I had called a meeting of all the leaders on 6th July where some important issue was to be discussed and some changes were to be made within the party but before that meeting, some of the leaders have taken a different stand."&nbsp;

With 53 NCP MLAs in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, Ajit would need the support of at least 36 to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection rules, and to win the claim over the party and its election symbol.

Both Pawar factions held separate meetings in a show of strength on Wednesday. While Ajit Pawar claimed the support of over 40 MLAs and MLCs, about 29 MLAs were seen on the stage at the meeting called by him. Sharad Pawar faction paraded 17 MLAs. 
 
The NCP has 53 MLAs in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

What is anti-defection law?&nbsp;

According to the law, a group of lawmakers can only quit one party to join another if they have the backing of at least two-thirds of the original party's total MLAs.&nbsp;

It also establishes the procedure by which legislators may be disqualified and removed from their respective legislative assembly based on a petition by any other member of that House to the Presiding Officer of the legislature.&nbsp;

A legislator is said to have defected and switched sides if he or she leaves his or her party of choice or votes against the party leadership's wishes on a vote.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Just days after he led a mutiny against his uncle Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra's new deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said on Wednesday that he aspires to be the chief minister one day.

Just days after he led a mutiny against his uncle Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra's new deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said on Wednesday that he aspires to be the chief minister one day. The faction led by Ajit Pawar also knocked on the doors of the Election Commission on Wednesday to claim the name and symbol of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as the group is apparently leading the number game. The group has filed over 40 affidavits of MLAs and MPs in his support. Ajit also pointed to the retirement age of government servants and BJP leaders and urged NCP president Sharad Pawar to pass on the baton to the new generation. Addressing the party workers, Ajit Pawar said, "IAS officers retire at 60. Even in politics, BJP leaders retire at 75. You can see the example of LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi. You (Sharad Pawar) are 83, aren't you going to stop? Give us your blessings and we will pray that you live a long life." Meanwhile, the Election Commission has also received a caveat from Maharashtra NCP president Jayant Patil that they have initiated a disqualification process against nine MLAs. Sharad Pawar claimed that he will "not allow anyone to snatch"' the name and symbol away. Addressing party workers at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Pawar said, "There is no need to worry. The party symbol is with us, it is not going anywhere. The people and party workers who brought us to power are with us." Also read: Manipur violence: Man beheaded, one shot dead, soldier shot; mob tries to loot weapons from forces A total of 35 of 53 NCP MLAs and five of the eight MLCs were present at the party meeting held by Ajit Pawar, who joined the Shiv Sena-BJP cabinet and took oath as deputy chief minister of the state. The two factions of the NCP held separate meetings in Mumbai. Both sides even appointed their own chief whips amid the ongoing political crisis in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The chief whip for the Sharad Pawar faction will be Jitendra Awhad while Anil Patil has been appointed by the Ajit faction. The Ajit group met at the Mumbai Education Trust (MET) premises in suburban Bandra at 11:00 am (IST) and the Sharad Pawar faction gathered at the YB Chavan Centre in south Mumbai around 1:00pm (IST) for its meeting as the battle for the party rages on. #WATCH | Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar says, "You portrayed me as a villain in front of everyone. I still have deep respect for him (Sharad Pawar)...But you tell me, IAS officers retire at 60...even in politics - BJP leaders retire at 75. You can see the example of LK Advani… pic.twitter.com/T2XqCzEH89 — ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2023 × Amid NCP vs NCP crisis in Maharashtra, two different meetings take place simultaneously in Mumbai. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has called a meeting of all NCP MPs, MLAs, MLCs, District heads and State delegates at MET Bandra while Sharad Pawar has called a meeting of all members at YB… pic.twitter.com/oe9b8z1AcV — ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2023 × Sharad Pawar said, "Some of my colleagues have taken a different stand. I had called a meeting of all the leaders on 6th July where some important issue was to be discussed and some changes were to be made within the party but before that meeting, some of the leaders have taken a different stand." With 53 NCP MLAs in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, Ajit would need the support of at least 36 to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection rules, and to win the claim over the party and its election symbol. Both Pawar factions held separate meetings in a show of strength on Wednesday. While Ajit Pawar claimed the support of over 40 MLAs and MLCs, about 29 MLAs were seen on the stage at the meeting called by him. Sharad Pawar faction paraded 17 MLAs. The NCP has 53 MLAs in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. What is anti-defection law? According to the law, a group of lawmakers can only quit one party to join another if they have the backing of at least two-thirds of the original party's total MLAs. It also establishes the procedure by which legislators may be disqualified and removed from their respective legislative assembly based on a petition by any other member of that House to the Presiding Officer of the legislature. A legislator is said to have defected and switched sides if he or she leaves his or her party of choice or votes against the party leadership's wishes on a vote. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

I want to be chief minister, says Ajit Pawar, approaches EC to claim NCP name, party symbol

India: Ajit Pawar's rebellion sparks a bitter Pawar vs Pawar fight for NCP

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, on Monday, while addressing a public meeting in Karad, said that the people of the Indian state of Maharashtra will not succumb to undemocratic forces.&nbsp;

He then said that there was a need to fight the parties creating a communal divide in the state.&nbsp;

Addressing NCP workers and supporters at the Yashwant Chavan Samadhi in Karad, the NCP chief said, "We were serving Maharashtra under Uddhav Thackeray but our government was toppled by some people. The same happened in some other parts of the country too in Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal where the governments are working democratically, are being attacked."

Without mentioning his nephew Ajit Pawar's name, who led a vertical split in the party to become the deputy chief minister in the Eknath Shinde-led government, the NCP chief said that "some of our people fell prey to BJP's tactics to break other parties."

"Attempts are being made to create communal divide in Maharashtra and the country. We need to fight forces that create fear among peace-loving citizens," he said.

"We need to protect democracy in the country," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-ultimate-political-player-who-splits-ncp-to-become-deputy-cm-of-maharashtra-for-fifth-time-611296">Ajit Pawar: Ultimate political player who splits NCP to become Deputy CM of Maharashtra for fifth time</a>

"Today, in Maharashtra and the country, a rift is being created in the society in the name of caste and religion by some groups. We tried to stand against the BJP, but unfortunately, some of us went fell prey to it. With the support of the public, we will be strengthened again. Nevertheless, the people of Maharashtra will not succumb to these undemocratic forces. Maharashtra again will go on the path of progress," Sharad Pawar said.

"In the next few months, we will get an opportunity to go to the people and with their help, we will push these tendencies aside and once again we will create a system that will work in the interest of the common people," he said.

<h2>NCP's Ajit Pawar joins NDA government</h2>

In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state.&nbsp;

He took the oath as Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister with eight other party legislators along with him joining the National Democratic Alliance government in the state.

On Sunday, Ajit Pawar asserted that all MLAs are with him and that they have joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government as a party.

"We have all the numbers. All MLAs are with me. We are here as a party. We have informed all seniors also. The majority is given importance in a democracy. Our party is 24 years old and young leadership should come forward," Ajit Pawar said after taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, on Monday, while addressing a public meeting in Karad, said that the people of the Indian state of Maharashtra will not succumb to undemocratic forces.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, on Monday, while addressing a public meeting in Karad, said that the people of the Indian state of Maharashtra will not succumb to undemocratic forces. He then said that there was a need to fight the parties creating a communal divide in the state. Addressing NCP workers and supporters at the Yashwant Chavan Samadhi in Karad, the NCP chief said, "We were serving Maharashtra under Uddhav Thackeray but our government was toppled by some people. The same happened in some other parts of the country too in Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal where the governments are working democratically, are being attacked." Without mentioning his nephew Ajit Pawar's name, who led a vertical split in the party to become the deputy chief minister in the Eknath Shinde-led government, the NCP chief said that "some of our people fell prey to BJP's tactics to break other parties." "Attempts are being made to create communal divide in Maharashtra and the country. We need to fight forces that create fear among peace-loving citizens," he said. "We need to protect democracy in the country," he added. Also read: Ajit Pawar: Ultimate political player who splits NCP to become Deputy CM of Maharashtra for fifth time "Today, in Maharashtra and the country, a rift is being created in the society in the name of caste and religion by some groups. We tried to stand against the BJP, but unfortunately, some of us went fell prey to it. With the support of the public, we will be strengthened again. Nevertheless, the people of Maharashtra will not succumb to these undemocratic forces. Maharashtra again will go on the path of progress," Sharad Pawar said. "In the next few months, we will get an opportunity to go to the people and with their help, we will push these tendencies aside and once again we will create a system that will work in the interest of the common people," he said. NCP's Ajit Pawar joins NDA government In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state. He took the oath as Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister with eight other party legislators along with him joining the National Democratic Alliance government in the state. On Sunday, Ajit Pawar asserted that all MLAs are with him and that they have joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government as a party. "We have all the numbers. All MLAs are with me. We are here as a party. We have informed all seniors also. The majority is given importance in a democracy. Our party is 24 years old and young leadership should come forward," Ajit Pawar said after taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

NCP chief Sharad Pawar reacts to nephew Ajit's rebellion, says 'some fell prey to BJP's tactics'

The twists and turns in west Indian state Maharashtra's politics over the last four to five years has not been short of any movie plot. The political drama reached its zenith when the National Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister for the fifth time on Sunday (July 2).&nbsp;

This power scuffle has been going on in the state for the last three years. The last time Maharashtra politics took a steep turn was in November 2019, when Ajit’s underhand partnership with the BJP lasted a few days. On 23 November 2019, Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister with BJP, without NCP’s nod. He submitted papers with the signatures of NCP MLAs to the Governor of the State. He was on the post for less than 80 hours.

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But this time, Pawar went full throttle against party lines with the support of over 40 of the NCP’s 53 MLAs. He chose to split the party even as his uncle and NCP leader Sharad Pawar was busy getting all opposition parties together to take on the BJP.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Triple engine’ Government?</h2>

Welcoming Ajit Pawar into the fold, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "Now we have 1 chief minister and 2 deputy chief ministers. The double-engine government has now become triple engine. For the development of Maharashtra, I welcome Ajit Pawar and his leaders. Ajit Pawar's experience will help."

Shinde recently completed one year in office. He said that the parties in the government were united on the platform of state development. “Ajit Dada supported our development goals. During the previous Lok Sabha elections, NCP secured four-five seats, but it appears that they won’t get a single seat in the coming elections,” he remarked.

<h2>Ajit Pawar and the 'Brutus' moment in Maharashtra's NCP</h2>

Ajit Pawar, an influential leader in the NCP, is the nephew of the party’s supremo Sharad Pawar. He joined politics in 1982 when he was elected to the board of a cooperative sugar factory. He was then elected as a chairman of the Pune District Cooperative Bank (PDC) in 1991 and remained in the post for 16 years. During this period, he was also elected as a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from the Baramati constituency.&nbsp;

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Later on, Pawar vacated his Lok Sabha seat in favour of his uncle, Sharad Pawar, who had then become the defence minister in PV Narasimha Rao’s government. Later, he was elected as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Baramati Assembly Constituency.

Pawar became the deputy CM in November 2010 for the first time after thwarting his uncle’s plan to give the position to the party’s senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal again. In a surprise move, he resigned in September 2012, following allegations against him in an irrigation scam, but came back within three months after obtaining a “clean chit” for himself from the then Congress-NCP government.&nbsp;

Despite being in several controversies, the seven-time MLA is popular among legislators. He is considered an expert in electoral management and has groomed many MLAs and even helped them to get elected. Even after the debut of Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule into politics, he was regarded as number two in the party.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-lifting-power-for-indian-rockets-isro-test-fires-indias-most-powerful-rocket-engine-611153">More lifting-power for Indian rockets, ISRO test fires India's most powerful rocket engine</a>

Pawar’s intention of taking over the party was no secret. It came out into the open when he tried to silence leaders and workers who were persuading Sharad Pawar to take back his resignation as party chief on May 2.&nbsp;

<h2>Ajit Pawar and MVA</h2>

In December 2019, it was announced that Ajit Pawar would take over as deputy CM for the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) administration after the commencement of the winter session of the state legislature on December 16. But in 2022, due to Maharashtra’s political crisis, the Maha Vikas Agadi government collapsed due to an internal revolt in Shiv Sena.&nbsp;

After the rebellion, the Shiv Sena group and BJP formed the government with Eknath Shinde as the CM and Pawar became the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.&nbsp;

<h2>Ajit Pawar’s rebellion will change political course of the state</h2>

Pawar’s recent move will change the political course of the NCP-Congress, leaving the equation between the two parties dwindling in the stronghold of western Maharashtra. Pawar has a good following there and knows the powerful cooperation sector.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-at-least-three-village-volunteers-killed-five-injured-after-violence-in-manipur-611149">India: At least three ‘village volunteers’ killed, five others injured after violence in Manipur</a>

The BJP is desperate to make inroads into the sector, and with Ajit on board, it will be easier for it to vie for the 11 Lok Sabha and over 60 assembly seats in western Maharashtra. Even Supriya Sule’s Lok Sabha seat could be in danger, as Ajit has been handling affairs in Baramati.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
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The twists and turns in west Indian state Maharashtra's politics over the last four to five years has not been short of any movie plot. The political drama reached its zenith when the National Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister for the fifth time on Sunday (July 2).

The twists and turns in west Indian state Maharashtra's politics over the last four to five years has not been short of any movie plot. The political drama reached its zenith when the National Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister for the fifth time on Sunday (July 2). This power scuffle has been going on in the state for the last three years. The last time Maharashtra politics took a steep turn was in November 2019, when Ajit’s underhand partnership with the BJP lasted a few days. On 23 November 2019, Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister with BJP, without NCP’s nod. He submitted papers with the signatures of NCP MLAs to the Governor of the State. He was on the post for less than 80 hours. Also Read | Lost for a century: Blind Indian painter's scroll resurfaces after 100 years But this time, Pawar went full throttle against party lines with the support of over 40 of the NCP’s 53 MLAs. He chose to split the party even as his uncle and NCP leader Sharad Pawar was busy getting all opposition parties together to take on the BJP. ‘Triple engine’ Government? Welcoming Ajit Pawar into the fold, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "Now we have 1 chief minister and 2 deputy chief ministers. The double-engine government has now become triple engine. For the development of Maharashtra, I welcome Ajit Pawar and his leaders. Ajit Pawar's experience will help." Shinde recently completed one year in office. He said that the parties in the government were united on the platform of state development. “Ajit Dada supported our development goals. During the previous Lok Sabha elections, NCP secured four-five seats, but it appears that they won’t get a single seat in the coming elections,” he remarked. Ajit Pawar and the 'Brutus' moment in Maharashtra's NCP Ajit Pawar, an influential leader in the NCP, is the nephew of the party’s supremo Sharad Pawar. He joined politics in 1982 when he was elected to the board of a cooperative sugar factory. He was then elected as a chairman of the Pune District Cooperative Bank (PDC) in 1991 and remained in the post for 16 years. During this period, he was also elected as a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from the Baramati constituency. Also Read | Drone hovers over Indian PM Modi's residence in New Delhi, probe underway Later on, Pawar vacated his Lok Sabha seat in favour of his uncle, Sharad Pawar, who had then become the defence minister in PV Narasimha Rao’s government. Later, he was elected as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Baramati Assembly Constituency. Pawar became the deputy CM in November 2010 for the first time after thwarting his uncle’s plan to give the position to the party’s senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal again. In a surprise move, he resigned in September 2012, following allegations against him in an irrigation scam, but came back within three months after obtaining a “clean chit” for himself from the then Congress-NCP government. Despite being in several controversies, the seven-time MLA is popular among legislators. He is considered an expert in electoral management and has groomed many MLAs and even helped them to get elected. Even after the debut of Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule into politics, he was regarded as number two in the party. Also Read | More lifting-power for Indian rockets, ISRO test fires India's most powerful rocket engine Pawar’s intention of taking over the party was no secret. It came out into the open when he tried to silence leaders and workers who were persuading Sharad Pawar to take back his resignation as party chief on May 2. Ajit Pawar and MVA In December 2019, it was announced that Ajit Pawar would take over as deputy CM for the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) administration after the commencement of the winter session of the state legislature on December 16. But in 2022, due to Maharashtra’s political crisis, the Maha Vikas Agadi government collapsed due to an internal revolt in Shiv Sena. After the rebellion, the Shiv Sena group and BJP formed the government with Eknath Shinde as the CM and Pawar became the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Ajit Pawar’s rebellion will change political course of the state Pawar’s recent move will change the political course of the NCP-Congress, leaving the equation between the two parties dwindling in the stronghold of western Maharashtra. Pawar has a good following there and knows the powerful cooperation sector. Also Read | India: At least three ‘village volunteers’ killed, five others injured after violence in Manipur The BJP is desperate to make inroads into the sector, and with Ajit on board, it will be easier for it to vie for the 11 Lok Sabha and over 60 assembly seats in western Maharashtra. Even Supriya Sule’s Lok Sabha seat could be in danger, as Ajit has been handling affairs in Baramati. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ajit Pawar: Political player who split NCP to become deputy CM of Maharashtra for fifth time

The political shift in the Indian state of Maharashtra has seen a dramatic twist with a top leader from the state's opposition party. The NCP became a part of the ruling Coalition led by the BJP along with other legislators. The move by the National Congress parties leader Ajit Pawar has now raised questions not only on the future of this party but also on the health of India's opposition as they prepare for next year's elections.

What's next for NCP and Ajit Pawar?

In Pics | Maharashtra politics: From Fadnavis to Thackarey to Shinde, with some 'Pawar' play

The political scenario in the Indian state of Maharashtra took a dramatic twist when a top leader from the state's opposition party became a part of the ruling Coalition.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's new deputy CM

Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar on July 2 joined hands with the NDA government in Maharashtra. He took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in presence of CM Eknath Shinde and Dy CM Fadnavis. Ajit Pawar reached Raj Bhavan after holding a meeting with NCP leaders at his residence.

India: NCP’s Ajit Pawar sworn in as deputy CM of Maharashtra in Eknath Shinde-led govt

In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state.&nbsp;

Pawar, along with dozens of other party leaders, joined the state government earlier today, and will now share the post along with incumbent Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. However, after he was sworn in, Ajit Pawar clarified that he had not left NCP and joined the state government as the Nationalist Congress Party.

<h2>What happened on Sunday?</h2>

Earlier, on Sunday, Ajit Pawar, the leader of the opposition in Maharashtra, called an urgent meeting of the NCP MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) amid reported rumours of him being unhappy that he was not chosen as the party’s state unit chief. Reportedly, he had also offered to resign as the opposition leader to take up the post.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-crisis-another-mla-joins-eknath-shindes-rebel-camp-491360">Maharashtra crisis: Another MLA joins Eknath Shinde's rebel camp</a>

Hours later it was announced that NCP leader and Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar will be sworn in as the deputy CM of Maharashtra. At least 30 other MLAs&nbsp;have joined Ajit Pawar out of which around eight ministers – Chaggan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, Dharmobaba Atram, Aditi Tatkare, Sanjay Bansode, and Anil Patil – were also sworn in.&nbsp;

The Indian state has witnessed a fourth oath-taking ceremony in less than three years amid political turmoil. Additionally, this is the 5th time that Ajit Pawar has been sworn in as the deputy CM, the most number of times a politician has been appointed for the post since it was first created in 1978.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Triple engine’ government of Maharashtra: Shinde</h2>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and&nbsp;Shiv Sena welcomed Pawar with open arms. “Ajit Pawar always followed developmental politics,” said the incumbent Maharashtra CM Shinde.&nbsp;

He added, “Now we have one Chief Minister and two deputy Chief Ministers…I welcome him in the government and now the double engine government will become triple engine government. For the development of Maharashtra, I welcome Ajit Pawar and his leaders. Ajit Pawar’s experience will help strengthen Maharashtra.” &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/once-an-auto-driver-eknath-shinde-is-now-the-man-of-the-moment-in-indian-politics-493329">India: Ex-auto driver to Maharashtra chief minister, Eknath Shinde is man of moment</a>

Shinde&nbsp;had once led a similar move against his party Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, whose faction is now known as Shiv Sena UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), when he left with dozens of ministers and joined hands with BJP.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Joined government as NCP’: Ajit Pawar</h2>

Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly inducted Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, “Talks have been ongoing for quite some time, and there will be a cabinet expansion. We need to prioritise the development of Maharashtra. We made the decision to join the Shinde-Fadanvis government with almost all NCP MLAs.”&nbsp;

He also said the expansion of Maharashtra’s cabinet begins today and more ministers will be inducted soon. “Today, we have decided to support the Maharashtra government and took oath as ministers. There will be a discussion on the portfolios later.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-blow-to-uddhav-thackeray-eknath-shinde-faction-to-get-shiv-sena-name-rules-election-commission-563139">Big blow to Uddhav Thackeray: Eknath Shinde faction is real 'Shiv Sena', rules election commission</a>

Ajit Pawar also said if NCP can join hands with the BJP in Nagaland, why can’t they do the same for Maharashtra and its people? “Some MLAs could not be contacted as they are out of the country, but I spoke to all of them and they agreed with our decision,” said Ajit Pawar.&nbsp;

The newly appointed deputy CM also went on to praise the Indian PM and said, “The country is progressing under the leadership of PM Modi. He is also popular in other countries. Everyone supports him and appreciates his leadership.”&nbsp;

He added, “We will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections with them (BJP) and that is why we have taken this decision.” However, Pawar also went on to clarify that “We have joined the government as the Nationalist Congress party and will fight any and every election in the name of the NCP.”&nbsp;

Similarly, state minister Chhagan Bhujabal said, “We have joined the government as its third party. A few people are saying that we have split the party but that is not correct. We have come here as NCP.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-happening-in-maharashtra-indias-richest-state-in-political-crisis-490979">What is happening in Maharashtra, India's richest state that's in political crisis?</a>

<h2>What about Sharad Pawar’s next move?</h2>

NCP leader, Sharad Pawar, who was in the city of Pune, Maharashtra when Ajit Pawar crossed party lines in Mumbai, spoke about how he is “happy” that some of his colleagues have decided to join the NDA government.

He added that there was supposed to be a meeting on July 6 to discuss important issues&nbsp;and some changes that were to be made within the party, but some people in the party have decided to take a “different stand”.&nbsp;

Speaking about Ajit Pawar’s move, the NCP chief said, “This is not a new thing. The party I was leading in 1980 had 58 MLAs, later all left and only 6 MLAs left, but I strengthened the numbers and those who left me lost in their constituencies.”&nbsp;

He also said that he received calls from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and others but “I am not worried about whatever happened today. Tomorrow, I will take the blessings of YB Chavan (former Maharashtra CM) and will hold a public meeting.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ncp-chief-sharad-pawar-names-praful-patel-daughter-supriya-sule-as-partys-working-presidents-602895">India: NCP chief Sharad Pawar names Praful Patel, daughter Supriya Sule as party's working presidents</a> 
 
About the position of the&nbsp;leader of the opposition, the NCP chief said he would sit with Congress and Uddhav Thackeray to "assess the situation. Our main strength is the common people, they have elected us. We will work to strengthen the party again."

He added, "MLAs and all senior leaders will sit together to decide about any action against the rebel leaders." Pawar also said action will be taken against Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare who “did not follow their responsibilities.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state.

In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state. Pawar, along with dozens of other party leaders, joined the state government earlier today, and will now share the post along with incumbent Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. However, after he was sworn in, Ajit Pawar clarified that he had not left NCP and joined the state government as the Nationalist Congress Party. What happened on Sunday? Earlier, on Sunday, Ajit Pawar, the leader of the opposition in Maharashtra, called an urgent meeting of the NCP MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) amid reported rumours of him being unhappy that he was not chosen as the party’s state unit chief. Reportedly, he had also offered to resign as the opposition leader to take up the post. ALSO READ | Maharashtra crisis: Another MLA joins Eknath Shinde's rebel camp Hours later it was announced that NCP leader and Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar will be sworn in as the deputy CM of Maharashtra. At least 30 other MLAs have joined Ajit Pawar out of which around eight ministers – Chaggan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, Dharmobaba Atram, Aditi Tatkare, Sanjay Bansode, and Anil Patil – were also sworn in. The Indian state has witnessed a fourth oath-taking ceremony in less than three years amid political turmoil. Additionally, this is the 5th time that Ajit Pawar has been sworn in as the deputy CM, the most number of times a politician has been appointed for the post since it was first created in 1978. ‘Triple engine’ government of Maharashtra: Shinde Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena welcomed Pawar with open arms. “Ajit Pawar always followed developmental politics,” said the incumbent Maharashtra CM Shinde. He added, “Now we have one Chief Minister and two deputy Chief Ministers…I welcome him in the government and now the double engine government will become triple engine government. For the development of Maharashtra, I welcome Ajit Pawar and his leaders. Ajit Pawar’s experience will help strengthen Maharashtra.” ALSO READ | India: Ex-auto driver to Maharashtra chief minister, Eknath Shinde is man of moment Shinde had once led a similar move against his party Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, whose faction is now known as Shiv Sena UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), when he left with dozens of ministers and joined hands with BJP. ‘Joined government as NCP’: Ajit Pawar Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly inducted Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, “Talks have been ongoing for quite some time, and there will be a cabinet expansion. We need to prioritise the development of Maharashtra. We made the decision to join the Shinde-Fadanvis government with almost all NCP MLAs.” He also said the expansion of Maharashtra’s cabinet begins today and more ministers will be inducted soon. “Today, we have decided to support the Maharashtra government and took oath as ministers. There will be a discussion on the portfolios later.” ALSO READ | Big blow to Uddhav Thackeray: Eknath Shinde faction is real 'Shiv Sena', rules election commission Ajit Pawar also said if NCP can join hands with the BJP in Nagaland, why can’t they do the same for Maharashtra and its people? “Some MLAs could not be contacted as they are out of the country, but I spoke to all of them and they agreed with our decision,” said Ajit Pawar. The newly appointed deputy CM also went on to praise the Indian PM and said, “The country is progressing under the leadership of PM Modi. He is also popular in other countries. Everyone supports him and appreciates his leadership.” He added, “We will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections with them (BJP) and that is why we have taken this decision.” However, Pawar also went on to clarify that “We have joined the government as the Nationalist Congress party and will fight any and every election in the name of the NCP.” Similarly, state minister Chhagan Bhujabal said, “We have joined the government as its third party. A few people are saying that we have split the party but that is not correct. We have come here as NCP.” ALSO READ | What is happening in Maharashtra, India's richest state that's in political crisis? What about Sharad Pawar’s next move? NCP leader, Sharad Pawar, who was in the city of Pune, Maharashtra when Ajit Pawar crossed party lines in Mumbai, spoke about how he is “happy” that some of his colleagues have decided to join the NDA government. He added that there was supposed to be a meeting on July 6 to discuss important issues and some changes that were to be made within the party, but some people in the party have decided to take a “different stand”. Speaking about Ajit Pawar’s move, the NCP chief said, “This is not a new thing. The party I was leading in 1980 had 58 MLAs, later all left and only 6 MLAs left, but I strengthened the numbers and those who left me lost in their constituencies.” He also said that he received calls from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and others but “I am not worried about whatever happened today. Tomorrow, I will take the blessings of YB Chavan (former Maharashtra CM) and will hold a public meeting.” ALSO READ | India: NCP chief Sharad Pawar names Praful Patel, daughter Supriya Sule as party's working presidents About the position of the leader of the opposition, the NCP chief said he would sit with Congress and Uddhav Thackeray to "assess the situation. Our main strength is the common people, they have elected us. We will work to strengthen the party again." He added, "MLAs and all senior leaders will sit together to decide about any action against the rebel leaders." Pawar also said action will be taken against Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare who “did not follow their responsibilities.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: NCP's Ajit Pawar joins NDA government, takes oath as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra

India: Major political coup in Maharashtra, NCP’s Ajit Pawar joins NDA government

The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday gave a nod to the proposal to raise by 100 feet the height of a proposed statue of the 'Father of the Constitution' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/ambedkar-national-memorial-a-one-of-a-kind-experience-193318">BR Ambedkar</a>, at the Indu Mills compound here.

The decision was taken in a meeting presided by Maharashtra Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-has-given-consent-to-become-maharashtra-chief-minister-sanjay-raut-263954">Uddhav Thackeray</a>.

Earlier, the proposed height for the statues was 250 feet but the Cabinet decided that the height should be 350 feet. The height of the pedestal will be 100 feet, thus, the total height of the statue will be 450 m from the ground. The upcoming memorial will cost a total of Rs 1100 crore.

The statue will be located close to Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's memorial site Chaityabhoomi.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-took-false-documents-to-raj-bhawan-yesterday-sanjay-raut-264162">Ajit Pawar</a> said that our goal is to construct the Babasaheb memorial within two years (2022). "We do not need to do politics on what the previous government did and did not do. Now we have to move forward. The previous government had said that it would build the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar, but only did 'Bhoomi Pujan'."

NCP leader Pawar inspected the site for the proposed statue at Indu Mill on January 2 and informed Thackeray about it.

Following the decision, the burden of the expenditure required to construct the statue has been increased by more than 300 crores as the previous government had kept its height low and the construction cost was Rs 700 crore.

The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday gave a nod to the proposal to raise by 100 feet the height of a proposed statue of the 'Father of the Constitution' BR Ambedkar, at the Indu Mills compound here.

The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday gave a nod to the proposal to raise by 100 feet the height of a proposed statue of the 'Father of the Constitution' BR Ambedkar, at the Indu Mills compound here. The decision was taken in a meeting presided by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Earlier, the proposed height for the statues was 250 feet but the Cabinet decided that the height should be 350 feet. The height of the pedestal will be 100 feet, thus, the total height of the statue will be 450 m from the ground. The upcoming memorial will cost a total of Rs 1100 crore. The statue will be located close to Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's memorial site Chaityabhoomi. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that our goal is to construct the Babasaheb memorial within two years (2022). "We do not need to do politics on what the previous government did and did not do. Now we have to move forward. The previous government had said that it would build the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar, but only did 'Bhoomi Pujan'." NCP leader Pawar inspected the site for the proposed statue at Indu Mill on January 2 and informed Thackeray about it. Following the decision, the burden of the expenditure required to construct the statue has been increased by more than 300 crores as the previous government had kept its height low and the construction cost was Rs 700 crore.

Thackeray government approves proposal to raise proposed statue of BR Ambedkar by 100 feet

Maharashtra's anti-corruption bureau (ACB) has cleared Nationalist Congress Party's leader Ajit Pawar of allegations in an irrigation scam case in an affidavit submitted in the court.

The 16-page affidavit, dated November 27, was submitted at the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court by ACB superintendent Rashmi Nandedkar in which she has observed that there is no criminal liability on the part of the then Chairman of the VIDC (Minister of WRD) in respect of the process of granting sanction.

Minister of Water Resources Department is Ex-Officio Chairman of the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation.

"The payment of EMD amount by the successful bidders for his competitors in some cases, issuing of tender booklets to some non-eligible bidders joint venture firms without following the pre-condition of the tenders etc. But these lapses are on the part of executing agencies of the tender work i.e Engineers, Divisional Accountant and the respective contractors. The Chairman of the VIDC/Minister of WRD cannot be held responsible for executing agencies, as there is no legal duty on his part", the probe agency said in its affidavit.

In its enquiry report, the ACB has also stated that 'There is no evidence on record to say that the Secretary of the Department had briefed the Minister of Water Resources Department about not accepting the liability of the tender work'.

The state anti-corruption bureau has also said that the Chairman of the VIDC has acted in the line with the then prevailing policy of the corporation and in accordance with the proposals put up before him by the Executive Directors on Managing Directors of the VIDC.

In the report filed in the court, the probe agency mentions that "considering the facts and evidence collected during the course of enquiry/investigation, it is observed that there is no criminal liability on the part of the then Chairman of the VIDC (Minister of WRD) in respect of the process of granting sanction to the liability of the tender cost including that of updated cost and sanctioning the mobilization advance to the contractors or any other allegations/charges."

Pawar, who belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with others, was in-charge of Maharashtra's irrigation department when the Congress-NCP coalition government was in power in the state from 1999 to 2014. That was a period during which the scam, relating to alleged irregularities in various irrigation projects, took place.&nbsp;

Maharashtra's anti-corruption bureau (ACB) has cleared Nationalist Congress Party's leader Ajit Pawar of allegations in an irrigation scam case in an affidavit submitted in the court.

Maharashtra's anti-corruption bureau (ACB) has cleared Nationalist Congress Party's leader Ajit Pawar of allegations in an irrigation scam case in an affidavit submitted in the court. The 16-page affidavit, dated November 27, was submitted at the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court by ACB superintendent Rashmi Nandedkar in which she has observed that there is no criminal liability on the part of the then Chairman of the VIDC (Minister of WRD) in respect of the process of granting sanction. Minister of Water Resources Department is Ex-Officio Chairman of the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation. "The payment of EMD amount by the successful bidders for his competitors in some cases, issuing of tender booklets to some non-eligible bidders joint venture firms without following the pre-condition of the tenders etc. But these lapses are on the part of executing agencies of the tender work i.e Engineers, Divisional Accountant and the respective contractors. The Chairman of the VIDC/Minister of WRD cannot be held responsible for executing agencies, as there is no legal duty on his part", the probe agency said in its affidavit. In its enquiry report, the ACB has also stated that 'There is no evidence on record to say that the Secretary of the Department had briefed the Minister of Water Resources Department about not accepting the liability of the tender work'. The state anti-corruption bureau has also said that the Chairman of the VIDC has acted in the line with the then prevailing policy of the corporation and in accordance with the proposals put up before him by the Executive Directors on Managing Directors of the VIDC. In the report filed in the court, the probe agency mentions that "considering the facts and evidence collected during the course of enquiry/investigation, it is observed that there is no criminal liability on the part of the then Chairman of the VIDC (Minister of WRD) in respect of the process of granting sanction to the liability of the tender cost including that of updated cost and sanctioning the mobilization advance to the contractors or any other allegations/charges." Pawar, who belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with others, was in-charge of Maharashtra's irrigation department when the Congress-NCP coalition government was in power in the state from 1999 to 2014. That was a period during which the scam, relating to alleged irregularities in various irrigation projects, took place.

NCP's Ajit Pawar gets clean-chit from anti-corruption bureau in irrigation scam case

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post.&nbsp;

Sule was responding to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's claim, where he said that PM Modi suggested that the duo should "work together", suggesting BJP-NCP alliance in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-chief-minister-265104">Maharashtra</a>. Pawar also said that an offer was made to give cabinet birth to Sule in Centre.&nbsp;

"It is the grandeur of the prime minister that he made such suggestions. I am grateful to him for the suggestion, but this cannot happen," Sule said.&nbsp;

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Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Sharad Pawar's claim that PM Modi offered cabinet berth for Sule if BJP-NCP alliance happens: Ye pradhan mantri ji ka badappan hai ki unhone aisa sujhav diya. Main unki aabhari hoon unhone kaha, lekin wo ho nahi paya. <a href="https://t.co/3dVyqKqDDU">pic.twitter.com/3dVyqKqDDU</a>
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Days before BJP, NCP and Congress were closing in on a deal to form government in Maharashtra, in a jolting move, BJP's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-resigns-as-deputy-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-sources-264628">Devendra Fadnavis </a>took oath along with senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar for the post of CM and deputy CM respectively on November 23.

However, senior Pawar repeatedly denied any involvement of stitching an alliance with BJP and ultimately BJP-NCP-Congress government was formed in the state with Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister on November 28.&nbsp;

Speaking on whether a disciplinary action will be taken against Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit, Sule said that is an internal matter of their party and family. "He will always remain my elder brother and senior leader of the party," Sule said.&nbsp;

Long-term allies Shiv Sena and BJP formed an alliance for the Maharashtra Assembly polls but their ties got severed over power-sharing agreement. Sena then held talks with its traditional opponents, Congress and NCP, who later supported Sena and Maha Aghadi government was formed in Maharashtra.

(with inputs from ANI)

 
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Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post.

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post. Sule was responding to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's claim, where he said that PM Modi suggested that the duo should "work together", suggesting BJP-NCP alliance in Maharashtra. Pawar also said that an offer was made to give cabinet birth to Sule in Centre. "It is the grandeur of the prime minister that he made such suggestions. I am grateful to him for the suggestion, but this cannot happen," Sule said. Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Sharad Pawar's claim that PM Modi offered cabinet berth for Sule if BJP-NCP alliance happens: Ye pradhan mantri ji ka badappan hai ki unhone aisa sujhav diya. Main unki aabhari hoon unhone kaha, lekin wo ho nahi paya. pic.twitter.com/3dVyqKqDDU — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2019 × Days before BJP, NCP and Congress were closing in on a deal to form government in Maharashtra, in a jolting move, BJP's Devendra Fadnavis took oath along with senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar for the post of CM and deputy CM respectively on November 23. However, senior Pawar repeatedly denied any involvement of stitching an alliance with BJP and ultimately BJP-NCP-Congress government was formed in the state with Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister on November 28. Speaking on whether a disciplinary action will be taken against Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit, Sule said that is an internal matter of their party and family. "He will always remain my elder brother and senior leader of the party," Sule said. Long-term allies Shiv Sena and BJP formed an alliance for the Maharashtra Assembly polls but their ties got severed over power-sharing agreement. Sena then held talks with its traditional opponents, Congress and NCP, who later supported Sena and Maha Aghadi government was formed in Maharashtra. (with inputs from ANI)

Grateful to PM Narendra Modi for offering cabinet berth: NCP leader Supriya Sule

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly. The alliance includes NCP, Congress, and the Shiv Sena. 
 
Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government is set to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-maha-vikas-aghadi-government-to-face-trust-vote-today-sanjay-raut-claims-support-of-170-mlas-265349">face a trust vote</a> in the Maharashtra Assembly today. 
 
Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance between the three parties.

The floor test will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session.

Pawar also alluded to his meeting with BJP MP Prataprao Chikhalikar and claimed that it had nothing to do with the floor test.

"It was just a courtesy meeting. Even if we are from different parties we all have relations with each other. We did not have any discussion on the floor test. As Sanjay Raut said, our alliance will prove our numbers today in the house," Pawar said. 
 
Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs.

(With inputs from ANI)

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly.

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly. The alliance includes NCP, Congress, and the Shiv Sena. Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government is set to face a trust vote in the Maharashtra Assembly today. Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance between the three parties. The floor test will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session. Pawar also alluded to his meeting with BJP MP Prataprao Chikhalikar and claimed that it had nothing to do with the floor test. "It was just a courtesy meeting. Even if we are from different parties we all have relations with each other. We did not have any discussion on the floor test. As Sanjay Raut said, our alliance will prove our numbers today in the house," Pawar said. Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs. (With inputs from ANI)

NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra will prove its majority during floor test today: Ajit Pawar

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