After the Maha Vikas Aghadi comfortably won the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly on Saturday, NCP leader Ajit Pawar said that the tri-party alliance has passed the first test and was confident of clearing the second test regarding the election of the Speaker.

"We have passed the first exam of floor test and the second test is for the speaker's post and we are confident of clearing it too," he said while speaking to reporters.

NCP's Nawab Malik slammed the BJP for walking out of the state Assembly ahead of the floor test saying that the party was only trying to save face.

"Oath taking ceremony was conducted, Vidhan Sabha session held and Pro tem speaker appointed with the consent of the Governor and floor test was held as per the orders of the Supreme Court. BJP is only trying to save face," he said.

Following weeks of political twists and turns, Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi, on Saturday comfortably won the floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly with 169 votes in its favour.

Before the floor test proceeding started, opposition MLAs staged a walkout from the Assembly alleging that the special session was not convened as per rules.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After the Maha Vikas Aghadi comfortably won the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly on Saturday, NCP leader Ajit Pawar said that the tri-party alliance has passed the first test and was confident of clearing the second test regarding the election of the Speaker.

After the Maha Vikas Aghadi comfortably won the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly on Saturday, NCP leader Ajit Pawar said that the tri-party alliance has passed the first test and was confident of clearing the second test regarding the election of the Speaker. "We have passed the first exam of floor test and the second test is for the speaker's post and we are confident of clearing it too," he said while speaking to reporters. NCP's Nawab Malik slammed the BJP for walking out of the state Assembly ahead of the floor test saying that the party was only trying to save face. "Oath taking ceremony was conducted, Vidhan Sabha session held and Pro tem speaker appointed with the consent of the Governor and floor test was held as per the orders of the Supreme Court. BJP is only trying to save face," he said. Following weeks of political twists and turns, Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi, on Saturday comfortably won the floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly with 169 votes in its favour. Before the floor test proceeding started, opposition MLAs staged a walkout from the Assembly alleging that the special session was not convened as per rules.

We have passed first exam: Ajit Pawar on floor test

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening.

Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard.

"I am not taking oath today. Today six leaders will be taking oath two from each party," Ajit said.

He further said, "The decision on deputy chief minister is yet to be taken by the party."

The NCP leader was speaking to media after a meeting of Jayant Patil, Prafull Patel, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar here. Ajit resigned as the deputy chief minister in the Devendra Fadnavis government on Monday, three days after he took the oath of the office.

According to sources, NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress are discussing to increase the number of leaders who will be taking oath at Shivaji Park today evening.

Uddhav Thackeray will be taking oath as the chief minister more than a month after the declaration of Assembly election results on October 24.

Political uncertainty continued for weeks after Shiv Sena, the then ally of the BJP, demanded rotation of the chief minister`s post and equal power-sharing, something rejected by the later.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening. Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening. Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard. "I am not taking oath today. Today six leaders will be taking oath two from each party," Ajit said. He further said, "The decision on deputy chief minister is yet to be taken by the party." The NCP leader was speaking to media after a meeting of Jayant Patil, Prafull Patel, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar here. Ajit resigned as the deputy chief minister in the Devendra Fadnavis government on Monday, three days after he took the oath of the office. According to sources, NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress are discussing to increase the number of leaders who will be taking oath at Shivaji Park today evening. Uddhav Thackeray will be taking oath as the chief minister more than a month after the declaration of Assembly election results on October 24. Political uncertainty continued for weeks after Shiv Sena, the then ally of the BJP, demanded rotation of the chief minister`s post and equal power-sharing, something rejected by the later.

Not taking oath today, says Ajit Pawar; 6 leaders form Sena, Congress, NCP to take oath

A sudden turn of events in the last 48 hours in Maharashtra has done many things simultaneously in Indian politics. It has humbled modern-day Chanakyas who tried to pull a rabbit out of the hat at last minute.

BJP’s midnight drama was being showcased as the killer instinct of BJP and failure of the opposition to come together in time. But ultimately BJP had to bite the dust. Maharashtra proved that there is a limit to political manoeuvring which BJP must have realised when Ajit Pawar resigned from the position of Deputy Chief Minister.

Ajit Pawar continues to be one of the most tainted politicians in Maharashtra. BJP which projects itself as the party with a difference came out bruised and battered. By aligning with Ajit Pawar, it not only lost its credibility but also lost power within 48 hours as Ajit Pawar ditched BJP. BJP lost its handle on the issue of corruption forever. The shortsighted alliance has done more&nbsp;damage to BJP than what party top brass thinks to be. BJP will find it difficult to beat other parties on the issue of corruption again.

It bruised political credibility of Home Minister Amit Shah and also impacted the image of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who tweeted after Devendra Fadnavis’s swearing-in. BJP by creating a constitutional and political turmoil in the state also ended up alienating a lot of political players. BJP wanted to send the signal that there cannot be a united opposition against them, but circumstances proved them wrong.

BJP successfully sent a similar message right before the Lok Sabha election when they poached back Nitish Kumar into their fold. Today, BJP stands isolated in the context of regional parties. BJP forgot that it was able to grow by building strong and organic alliances wherever it was limited by an ideological appeal.

By getting into a fist-fight with a junior partner, BJP came across as an unfair giant who ended up being defeated by political pygmies. Both Congress and NCP were decimated by BJP in Lok Sabha elections. Today, by forging an alliance with ideologically different parties, the idea of a united opposition looks possible. Lok Sabha elections are far away but there are a number of state elections where BJP is pitched directly against regional parties. Imagine, if all political parties merge their differences to support an anti-BJP front? Maharashtra escapade of BJP has made those ideas thinkable which in past would have been ridiculed.

This is not to say that this alliance can run smoothly or can finish the entire term together. The alliance marks a churning in Indian politics where Congress party will need to play a supportive role in large parts of India. Congress which ruled Maharashtra for decades is the smallest player in the alliance. The state unit of Maharashtra prevailed over Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. On top of it, the Congress old guard was active, and Rahul Gandhi was nowhere to be seen. 
 
The old guard led by Ahmed Patel was able to negotiate a deal with Sharad Pawar and Udhhav Thackery. It just goes on to show how little Rahul Gandhi counts when it comes to ‘real’ politics in the country. The old guard not only managed to give a good fight but also ensured that the alliance succeeds. Maharashtra alliance may function or may not but throws open a lot of political opportunities for India’s opposition which is both faceless and disunited.

BJP, on the other hand, should moderate its stand when it comes to managing regional parties. What happens is future is a larger debate but for now, regional parties are a reality and they feel threatened by BJP. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

A sudden turn of events in the last 48 hours in Maharashtra has done many things simultaneously in Indian politics. It has humbled modern-day Chanakyas who tried to pull a rabbit out of the hat at last minute.

A sudden turn of events in the last 48 hours in Maharashtra has done many things simultaneously in Indian politics. It has humbled modern-day Chanakyas who tried to pull a rabbit out of the hat at last minute. BJP’s midnight drama was being showcased as the killer instinct of BJP and failure of the opposition to come together in time. But ultimately BJP had to bite the dust. Maharashtra proved that there is a limit to political manoeuvring which BJP must have realised when Ajit Pawar resigned from the position of Deputy Chief Minister. Ajit Pawar continues to be one of the most tainted politicians in Maharashtra. BJP which projects itself as the party with a difference came out bruised and battered. By aligning with Ajit Pawar, it not only lost its credibility but also lost power within 48 hours as Ajit Pawar ditched BJP. BJP lost its handle on the issue of corruption forever. The shortsighted alliance has done more damage to BJP than what party top brass thinks to be. BJP will find it difficult to beat other parties on the issue of corruption again. It bruised political credibility of Home Minister Amit Shah and also impacted the image of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who tweeted after Devendra Fadnavis’s swearing-in. BJP by creating a constitutional and political turmoil in the state also ended up alienating a lot of political players. BJP wanted to send the signal that there cannot be a united opposition against them, but circumstances proved them wrong. BJP successfully sent a similar message right before the Lok Sabha election when they poached back Nitish Kumar into their fold. Today, BJP stands isolated in the context of regional parties. BJP forgot that it was able to grow by building strong and organic alliances wherever it was limited by an ideological appeal. By getting into a fist-fight with a junior partner, BJP came across as an unfair giant who ended up being defeated by political pygmies. Both Congress and NCP were decimated by BJP in Lok Sabha elections. Today, by forging an alliance with ideologically different parties, the idea of a united opposition looks possible. Lok Sabha elections are far away but there are a number of state elections where BJP is pitched directly against regional parties. Imagine, if all political parties merge their differences to support an anti-BJP front? Maharashtra escapade of BJP has made those ideas thinkable which in past would have been ridiculed. This is not to say that this alliance can run smoothly or can finish the entire term together. The alliance marks a churning in Indian politics where Congress party will need to play a supportive role in large parts of India. Congress which ruled Maharashtra for decades is the smallest player in the alliance. The state unit of Maharashtra prevailed over Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. On top of it, the Congress old guard was active, and Rahul Gandhi was nowhere to be seen. The old guard led by Ahmed Patel was able to negotiate a deal with Sharad Pawar and Udhhav Thackery. It just goes on to show how little Rahul Gandhi counts when it comes to ‘real’ politics in the country. The old guard not only managed to give a good fight but also ensured that the alliance succeeds. Maharashtra alliance may function or may not but throws open a lot of political opportunities for India’s opposition which is both faceless and disunited. BJP, on the other hand, should moderate its stand when it comes to managing regional parties. What happens is future is a larger debate but for now, regional parties are a reality and they feel threatened by BJP. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Lessons from Maharashtra: Na Maya Mili Na Ram

Devendra Fadnavis submitted his resignation as the CM of Maharashtra to the Maharashtra governor on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference before his resignation, Fadnavis said Ajit Pawar has also quit as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra.

He also said that the party formed the government after it received assurance from NCP chief Sharad Pawar that NCP&nbsp;will support the BJP. He added that when Ajit Pawar submitted his resignation today, they then took a call that will also not continue to remain in power.

Earlier on the day, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-floor-test-in-maharashtra-assembly-to-be-held-on-wednesday-264543">Supreme Court </a>ordered conducting floor test which will test the majority of the BJP government led by Devendra Fadnavis. The SC gave its verdict while hearing a joint plea filed by Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress against the formation of government in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

On Monday, Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, in a show of strength claimed that they have the support of 162 MLAs in Hotel Grand Hyatt in Mumbai. The three parties also submitted a letter to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, mentioning that they have the backing of&nbsp;162 MLAs and should be given the permission to form government in the state.&nbsp;

In a massive turn of events, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as CM of Maharashtra in the wee hours on Saturday. NCP's Ajit was also sworn in as deputy CM.&nbsp;

The swearing-in ceremony came at a time when NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena were finalising a deal to form government in the state. After the ceremony, NCP chief clarified that the party is not with BJP and will form an alliance with Congress and NCP.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Devendra Fadnavis submitted his resignation as the CM of Maharashtra to the Maharashtra governor on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference before his resignation, Fadnavis said Ajit Pawar has also quit as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra.

Devendra Fadnavis submitted his resignation as the CM of Maharashtra to the Maharashtra governor on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference before his resignation, Fadnavis said Ajit Pawar has also quit as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. He also said that the party formed the government after it received assurance from NCP chief Sharad Pawar that NCP will support the BJP. He added that when Ajit Pawar submitted his resignation today, they then took a call that will also not continue to remain in power. Earlier on the day, the Supreme Court ordered conducting floor test which will test the majority of the BJP government led by Devendra Fadnavis. The SC gave its verdict while hearing a joint plea filed by Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress against the formation of government in Maharashtra. On Monday, Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, in a show of strength claimed that they have the support of 162 MLAs in Hotel Grand Hyatt in Mumbai. The three parties also submitted a letter to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, mentioning that they have the backing of 162 MLAs and should be given the permission to form government in the state. In a massive turn of events, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as CM of Maharashtra in the wee hours on Saturday. NCP's Ajit was also sworn in as deputy CM. The swearing-in ceremony came at a time when NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena were finalising a deal to form government in the state. After the ceremony, NCP chief clarified that the party is not with BJP and will form an alliance with Congress and NCP. (with inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis resigns as chief minister after Ajit Pawar leaves alliance

The MLAs of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-leads-party-protest-in-parliament-premises-over-maharashtra-government-formation-264311">Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP </a>pledged on Monday that they will be honest with their parties and will not do anything which will benefit BJP at a Mumbai hotel.

"I swear that under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray and Sonia Gandhi, I will be honest to my party. I won't get lured by anything. I will not do anything which will benefit BJP", said the MLAs of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP, at Hotel Grand Hyatt in Mumbai, where they are 
lodged to a avoid horse-trading.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Mumbai: Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress MLAs assembled at Hotel Hyatt take a pledge, "I swear that under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray &amp; Sonia Gandhi, I will be honest to my party. I won't get lured by anything. I will not do anything which will benefit BJP". <a href="https://t.co/CV8VhOmKl1">pic.twitter.com/CV8VhOmKl1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198977528477736960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Senior leaders of three parties were also present at the hotel including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, his son Aaditya Thackeray, Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, NCP legislative party leader Jayant Patil along with Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan and others submitted a letter to the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari which mentioned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/weve-given-letter-citing-support-of-162-mlas-to-maharashtra-governor-eknath-shinde-264362">support of 162 MLAs</a>. Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut invited Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to "come and watch" the show of strength of the three parties. Senior Shiv Sena Sanjay Raut invited Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to "come and watch" the show of strength of the three parties at the hotel.

A majority of 145 MLAs are required to form government in Maharashtra.

The Supreme Court, on Monday, reserved its order, on the joint petition filed by Sena, Congress and NCP against the formation of BJP government in Maharashtra. &nbsp;

In a surprising development, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Devendra Fadnavis </a>took oath as Maharashtra CM after getting support from senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar on wee hours on Saturday. Ajit was sworn in as deputy CM. Before the oath-swearing ceremony, NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena were on the verge of finalising 
their power-sharing deal in order to form government in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

NCP chief has denied any deal with BJP as the party stripped Ajit from the post of party's legislative leader. However, Ajit has reiterated that he will not leave NCP. NCP has repeatedly said that it will form the government with Sena and Congress.

The BJP-Shiv Sena fought the Assembly election together but the long-time allies had a fallout over the post of chief ministership after which Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena started working on forming an alliance.&nbsp;

In the Assembly elections results announced on Oct 24, BJP had won the maximum number of seats (105). Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress claimed 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively.

The MLAs of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP pledged on Monday that they will be honest with their parties and will not do anything which will benefit BJP at a Mumbai hotel.

The MLAs of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP pledged on Monday that they will be honest with their parties and will not do anything which will benefit BJP at a Mumbai hotel. "I swear that under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray and Sonia Gandhi, I will be honest to my party. I won't get lured by anything. I will not do anything which will benefit BJP", said the MLAs of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP, at Hotel Grand Hyatt in Mumbai, where they are lodged to a avoid horse-trading. #WATCH Mumbai: Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress MLAs assembled at Hotel Hyatt take a pledge, "I swear that under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray & Sonia Gandhi, I will be honest to my party. I won't get lured by anything. I will not do anything which will benefit BJP". pic.twitter.com/CV8VhOmKl1 — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2019 × Senior leaders of three parties were also present at the hotel including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, his son Aaditya Thackeray, Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. Earlier in the day, NCP legislative party leader Jayant Patil along with Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan and others submitted a letter to the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari which mentioned the support of 162 MLAs. Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut invited Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to "come and watch" the show of strength of the three parties. Senior Shiv Sena Sanjay Raut invited Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to "come and watch" the show of strength of the three parties at the hotel. A majority of 145 MLAs are required to form government in Maharashtra. The Supreme Court, on Monday, reserved its order, on the joint petition filed by Sena, Congress and NCP against the formation of BJP government in Maharashtra. In a surprising development, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra CM after getting support from senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar on wee hours on Saturday. Ajit was sworn in as deputy CM. Before the oath-swearing ceremony, NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena were on the verge of finalising their power-sharing deal in order to form government in Maharashtra. NCP chief has denied any deal with BJP as the party stripped Ajit from the post of party's legislative leader. However, Ajit has reiterated that he will not leave NCP. NCP has repeatedly said that it will form the government with Sena and Congress. The BJP-Shiv Sena fought the Assembly election together but the long-time allies had a fallout over the post of chief ministership after which Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena started working on forming an alliance. In the Assembly elections results announced on Oct 24, BJP had won the maximum number of seats (105). Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress claimed 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively.

'We will not do anything to benefit BJP,' MLAs pledge to be honest to Sena-NCP-Congress alliance

Youth Congress workers on Monday held a protest here against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra.

The party workers raised slogans against BJP leaders and the government and also burnt effigies. At a time when deliberations among <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-accuses-bjp-of-murdering-democracy-in-maharashtra-264335">Congress</a>, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in Maharashtra had seemingly reached a final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Fadnavis took oath for the second time as Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly in last month`s assembly polls followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

Youth Congress workers on Monday held a protest here against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra. The party workers raised slogans against BJP leaders and the government and also burnt effigies.

Youth Congress workers on Monday held a protest here against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra. The party workers raised slogans against BJP leaders and the government and also burnt effigies. At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in Maharashtra had seemingly reached a final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Fadnavis took oath for the second time as Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly in last month`s assembly polls followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Youth Congress leaders protest against BJP's govt formation in Maharashtra

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday said that Ajit Pawar took false documents to Raj Bhawan yesterday and the governor accepted those documents. ''Governor asks us to prove majority, we can do it right now.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday said that Ajit Pawar took false documents to Raj Bhawan yesterday and the governor accepted those documents. ''Governor asks us to prove majority, we can do it right now. 49 NCP MLAs are with us,'' he added. Sharad Pawar is a national leader. If BJP is trying to form government in the state, it will not happen. It is a wrong step taken by BJP and Ajit Pawar, he said. Raut claimed the support of 165 MLAs to Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP government in Maharashtra. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: CBI, ED, Income Tax Department and Police are the four main party workers of BJP. Present Governor is also their worker. But BJP has got trapped in their own game now. It's beginning of their end. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/qvx0Ga0awm — ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2019 × Raut further said that Ajit Pawar did the wrong thing by backstabbing Sharad Pawar. In a dramatic turn of events, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively in the wee hours on Saturday. The development came as a shock to NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena who were close to finalising the power-sharing deal to form government in the state.

Ajit Pawar took false documents to Raj Bhawan yesterday: Sanjay Raut 

Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress' joint plea against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">government formation by the BJP in Maharashtra</a> will be heard by the Supreme Court on Sunday at around 11.30 am, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Uddhav Thackeray-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-political-tussle-shiv-sena-files-petition-in-supreme-court-against-devendra-fadnavis-ajit-pawars-oath-taking-264109">Shiv Sena filed a writ petition</a> on Saturday in the Supreme Court against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-hai-to-mumkin-hai-devendra-fadnavis-assures-stable-government-in-maharashtra-264088">Devendra Fadnavis</a> and Ajit Pawar oath-taking as Maharashtra Chief Minister and Deputy CM respectively.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister for the second consecutive term after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar.

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Supreme Court to hear on tomorrow at 11.30 am the joint plea of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Indian National Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor inviting Devendra Fadnavis to form the government on November 23. <a href="https://t.co/Be4lMgmSNH">pic.twitter.com/Be4lMgmSNH</a>
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The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state.

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Nawab Malik, NCP after meeting of party MLAs: A resolution was passed unanimously that party does not endorse Ajit Pawar's decision&amp;he has been removed as NCP legislative party leader.Till the election of new leader,Jayant Patil is given responsibilities of the post. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a href="https://t.co/4PwefMVk71">pic.twitter.com/4PwefMVk71</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198265538255806465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The move came at a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the government formation had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday.

Meanwhile, the NCP has passed a unanimous resolution to not endorse Ajit Pawar's decision. Pawar has been removed as NCP legislative party leader and until a new leader is elected, senior leader Jayant Patil is vested with the responsibilities of the post.

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In its swift move in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>, the BJP gave out a definitive message - it didn't want to repeat what happened in Karnataka. 
 
Watch WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/kartikeya_1975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kartikeya_1975</a> decode the unexpected chain of events in Maharashtra's ongoing political tussle <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaharashtraPolitics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaharashtraPolitics</a> <a href="https://t.co/YQfpEUE3kE">pic.twitter.com/YQfpEUE3kE</a>
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NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday, after concluding discussions with the Congress and the Shiv Sena, told reporters that the parties have a consensus on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's name for the post of Maharashtra CM.

Shiv Sena senior leader Sanjay Raut had said on Friday that Thackeray had given his consent to lead Maharashtra as the chief minister.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress' joint plea against government formation by the BJP in Maharashtra will be heard by the Supreme Court on Sunday at around 11.

Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress' joint plea against government formation by the BJP in Maharashtra will be heard by the Supreme Court on Sunday at around 11.30 am, news agency ANI reported. Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena filed a writ petition on Saturday in the Supreme Court against Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar oath-taking as Maharashtra Chief Minister and Deputy CM respectively. Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister for the second consecutive term after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar. Supreme Court to hear on tomorrow at 11.30 am the joint plea of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Indian National Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor inviting Devendra Fadnavis to form the government on November 23. pic.twitter.com/Be4lMgmSNH — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported. Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state. Nawab Malik, NCP after meeting of party MLAs: A resolution was passed unanimously that party does not endorse Ajit Pawar's decision&he has been removed as NCP legislative party leader.Till the election of new leader,Jayant Patil is given responsibilities of the post. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/4PwefMVk71 — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × The move came at a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the government formation had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. Meanwhile, the NCP has passed a unanimous resolution to not endorse Ajit Pawar's decision. Pawar has been removed as NCP legislative party leader and until a new leader is elected, senior leader Jayant Patil is vested with the responsibilities of the post. In its swift move in #Maharashtra, the BJP gave out a definitive message - it didn't want to repeat what happened in Karnataka. Watch WION's @kartikeya_1975 decode the unexpected chain of events in Maharashtra's ongoing political tussle #MaharashtraPolitics pic.twitter.com/YQfpEUE3kE — WION (@WIONews) November 23, 2019 × NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday, after concluding discussions with the Congress and the Shiv Sena, told reporters that the parties have a consensus on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's name for the post of Maharashtra CM. Shiv Sena senior leader Sanjay Raut had said on Friday that Thackeray had given his consent to lead Maharashtra as the chief minister. (With inputs from ANI)

Maharashtra: NCP, Shiv Sena, Congress challenge government formation by BJP; SC to hear plea today

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, in a tweet&nbsp;on Sunday, responded to the cryptic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-in-ncp-will-always-be-ajit-pawar-tweets-out-assures-stable-government-in-maharashtra-264231">tweets posted by leader Ajit Pawar</a> on government formation in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Pawar ruled out an alliance between the BJP and the NCP, adding that his party has unanimously decided to ally with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the Congress.&nbsp;

"There is no question of forming an alliance with @BJP4Maharashtra. NCP has unanimously decided to ally with @ShivSena and @INCMaharashtra to form the government," Sharad Pawar's tweet read.

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There is no question of forming an alliance with <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Maharashtra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Maharashtra</a>. 
NCP has unanimously decided to ally with <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivSena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShivSena</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/INCMaharashtra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCMaharashtra</a> to form the government. Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people.
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks/status/1198578943525187585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The NCP chief called Ajit Pawar’s statement "false and misleading".

"Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people," he tweeted out.&nbsp;

This comes shortly after NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tweeted out saying that the BJP and the NCP will provide a stable government to Maharashtra for the next five years.&nbsp;

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I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PawarSpeaks</a> Saheb is our leader. 
 
Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people.
— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/AjitPawarSpeaks/status/1198565018658377728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Ajit Pawar's tweet read.&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, in a tweet on Sunday, responded to the cryptic tweets posted by leader Ajit Pawar on government formation in Maharashtra.

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, in a tweet on Sunday, responded to the cryptic tweets posted by leader Ajit Pawar on government formation in Maharashtra. Pawar ruled out an alliance between the BJP and the NCP, adding that his party has unanimously decided to ally with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the Congress. "There is no question of forming an alliance with @BJP4Maharashtra. NCP has unanimously decided to ally with @ShivSena and @INCMaharashtra to form the government," Sharad Pawar's tweet read. There is no question of forming an alliance with @BJP4Maharashtra. NCP has unanimously decided to ally with @ShivSena & @INCMaharashtra to form the government. Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people. — Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × The NCP chief called Ajit Pawar’s statement "false and misleading". "Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people," he tweeted out. This comes shortly after NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tweeted out saying that the BJP and the NCP will provide a stable government to Maharashtra for the next five years. I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and @PawarSpeaks Saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people. — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × "I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Ajit Pawar's tweet read.

Ajit Pawar's statement is false and misleading, no question of forming an alliance with BJP: Sharad Pawar

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Dilip Walse Patil met with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at his residence on Sunday.

In a surprise move on Saturday morning, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister while NCP's Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

This came after a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month.

Following which Ajit Pawar was expelled as legislative party leader of NCP and Jayant Patil was entrusted with the responsibility.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai Congress leader Ashok Chavan also reached the NCP Chief Sharad Pawar's residence to hold a meeting with the senior leader.

Supreme Court today will hear a joint plea of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor inviting BJP`s Devendra Fadnavis to form the government.

Nationalist Congress Party late on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to Renaissance Hotel here on Saturday.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Dilip Walse Patil met with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at his residence on Sunday. In a surprise move on Saturday morning, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister while NCP's Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Dilip Walse Patil met with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at his residence on Sunday. In a surprise move on Saturday morning, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister while NCP's Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy. This came after a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month. Following which Ajit Pawar was expelled as legislative party leader of NCP and Jayant Patil was entrusted with the responsibility. Meanwhile, in Mumbai Congress leader Ashok Chavan also reached the NCP Chief Sharad Pawar's residence to hold a meeting with the senior leader. Supreme Court today will hear a joint plea of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor inviting BJP`s Devendra Fadnavis to form the government. Nationalist Congress Party late on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to Renaissance Hotel here on Saturday. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

NCP MLA Dilip Walse Patil meets Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday tweeted out saying that he is and shall always be a part of the NCP and that Sharad Pawar is the leader of the party.&nbsp;

Pawar added that the alliance between the BJP and the NCP will give a stable <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-political-crisis-supreme-court-to-pass-appropriate-orders-tomorrow-on-shiv-sena-ncp-congress-plea-264183">government to Maharashtra</a> for the coming five years.

"I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Pawar's tweet read.&nbsp;

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I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PawarSpeaks</a> Saheb is our leader. 
 
Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people.
— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/AjitPawarSpeaks/status/1198565018658377728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, Pawar took to microblogging site Twitter and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his congratulatory message for government formation in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

"Thank you Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. We will ensure a stable government that will work hard for the welfare of the people of Maharashtra," he had tweeted.&nbsp;

Pawar thanked everyone for their support and urged for "a little patience".

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There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support.
— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/AjitPawarSpeaks/status/1198565066297229312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However, a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support," he tweeted out.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has said that it would pass 'appropriate orders' on Monday on a joint plea of Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, inviting BJP's Devendra Fadnavis to form the government in the state on November 23.

The apex court also issued notices to the Centre, Maharashtra government, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.

''We request Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to produce relevant documents from governor's letter for inviting BJP to form the government and letter of support of MLAs by 10.30 am tomorrow,'' the top court said in its order. 
&nbsp;

NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday tweeted out saying that he is and shall always be a part of the NCP and that Sharad Pawar is the leader of the party.

NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday tweeted out saying that he is and shall always be a part of the NCP and that Sharad Pawar is the leader of the party. Pawar added that the alliance between the BJP and the NCP will give a stable government to Maharashtra for the coming five years. "I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Pawar's tweet read. I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and @PawarSpeaks Saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people. — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × Earlier in the day, Pawar took to microblogging site Twitter and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his congratulatory message for government formation in Maharashtra. "Thank you Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. We will ensure a stable government that will work hard for the welfare of the people of Maharashtra," he had tweeted. Pawar thanked everyone for their support and urged for "a little patience". There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support. — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × "There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However, a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support," he tweeted out. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has said that it would pass 'appropriate orders' on Monday on a joint plea of Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, inviting BJP's Devendra Fadnavis to form the government in the state on November 23. The apex court also issued notices to the Centre, Maharashtra government, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. ''We request Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to produce relevant documents from governor's letter for inviting BJP to form the government and letter of support of MLAs by 10.30 am tomorrow,'' the top court said in its order.

I am in NCP, will always be: Ajit Pawar tweets out, assures stable government in Maharashtra 

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Sunday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that he will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House.

Speaking to media outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar's Silver Oak's residence, Malik said, "By this evening all the MLAs of our party will come back to us. Fadnavis will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House, we demand that he tenders resignation."

Speaking about Ajit Pawar, who sided with the BJP in a surprise move, Malik said, "Ajit has committed a mistake. Efforts are being made since yesterday to make him understand, he has not given any indication so far. It will be better if he realises his mistake."

After a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday early morning took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Sunday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that he will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Sunday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that he will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House. Speaking to media outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar's Silver Oak's residence, Malik said, "By this evening all the MLAs of our party will come back to us. Fadnavis will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House, we demand that he tenders resignation." Speaking about Ajit Pawar, who sided with the BJP in a surprise move, Malik said, "Ajit has committed a mistake. Efforts are being made since yesterday to make him understand, he has not given any indication so far. It will be better if he realises his mistake." After a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday early morning took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

Fadnavis won't be able to prove majority, should resign: NCP's Nawab Malik

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Saturday said that the government formed under the leadership of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavi</a>s will fail in the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly.

"The entire government formation episode is a facade. They will lose on the floor of Vidhan Sabha. All MLAs are with us," Malik told reporters here.

Malik also took a veiled attack at Ajit Pawar who took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and said that NCP had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance which were later misused.

"We had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance, they were misused as a basis for the oath," Malik.

Earlier in the day, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the second term.BJP, with 105 seats forged alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party which bagged 54 seats to garner the majority figure.

Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar clarified that the decision of going with BJP to form the government in Maharashtra is of his nephew Ajit Pawar, who took as Deputy Chief Minister today.

"Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," Sharad Pawar tweeted.

The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday.

Earlier, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government.

Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats while 44 seats went to Congress in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President`s Rule was imposed in the state. 
&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Saturday said that the government formed under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will fail in the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Saturday said that the government formed under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will fail in the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly. "The entire government formation episode is a facade. They will lose on the floor of Vidhan Sabha. All MLAs are with us," Malik told reporters here. Malik also took a veiled attack at Ajit Pawar who took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and said that NCP had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance which were later misused. "We had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance, they were misused as a basis for the oath," Malik. Earlier in the day, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the second term.BJP, with 105 seats forged alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party which bagged 54 seats to garner the majority figure. Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar clarified that the decision of going with BJP to form the government in Maharashtra is of his nephew Ajit Pawar, who took as Deputy Chief Minister today. "Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," Sharad Pawar tweeted. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. Earlier, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government. Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats while 44 seats went to Congress in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President`s Rule was imposed in the state.

All MLAs are with us, Fadnavis government will fail in floor test: NCP leader Nawab Malik

Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister&nbsp;of Maharashtra on Saturday. Reacting to the latest development Shiv Sena's&nbsp;leader Sanjay Raut&nbsp;said Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar,&nbsp;backstabbed people of Maharashtra.

Maharashtra government deadlock ended on Saturday as Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Devendra Fadnavis</a> and Ajit Pawar as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively on Saturday morning.&nbsp;

"Sharad Pawar has nothing to do with this, Ajit Pawar has backstabbed the people of Maharashtra," Raut said during a press conference in Mumbai.

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Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: Sharad Pawar saheb has nothing to do with this, Ajit Pawar has backstabbed the people of Maharashtra <a href="https://t.co/L5HtyMtiWf">pic.twitter.com/L5HtyMtiWf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198091373687164929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Uddhav Thackeray ji and Sharad Pawar ji are in touch and will meet today also; they might also address the media together. But the fact is that Ajit Pawar and the MLAs supporting him have insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharashtra," Sanjay Raut also said.

Meanwhile, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar called Ajit Pawar's decision to support the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-do-not-support-or-endorse-ajit-pawars-decision-to-support-bjp-sharad-pawar-on-ajit-decision-to-support-bjp-263991"> BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his "personal"</a> and not that of the NCP.

''We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his (Ajit Pawar), he said.

The latest development came as a major twist as a day earlier Sharad Pawar had announced that new Maharashtra government would be led by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackray.

"We all have consensus on the name of Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister," Pawar had said after the first joint meeting of the three parties, Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena.&nbsp;

Uddhav Thackeray had also said "positive" discussion took place on almost all the issues.

Shiv Sena has been an old ally of BJP and fought in alliance with the latter in recently held Assembly polls.&nbsp;But the alliance broke over Shiv Sena's demand for sharing the chief minister's post as it was rejected by BJP.

In the last month's polls, the BJP won 105 seats and Shiv Sena 56, while the Congress-NCP combine won 98 seats.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra on Saturday. Reacting to the latest development Shiv Sena's leader Sanjay Raut said Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, backstabbed people of Maharashtra.

Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra on Saturday. Reacting to the latest development Shiv Sena's leader Sanjay Raut said Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, backstabbed people of Maharashtra. Maharashtra government deadlock ended on Saturday as Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively on Saturday morning. "Sharad Pawar has nothing to do with this, Ajit Pawar has backstabbed the people of Maharashtra," Raut said during a press conference in Mumbai. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: Sharad Pawar saheb has nothing to do with this, Ajit Pawar has backstabbed the people of Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/L5HtyMtiWf — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × "Uddhav Thackeray ji and Sharad Pawar ji are in touch and will meet today also; they might also address the media together. But the fact is that Ajit Pawar and the MLAs supporting him have insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharashtra," Sanjay Raut also said. Meanwhile, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar called Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his "personal" and not that of the NCP. ''We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his (Ajit Pawar), he said. The latest development came as a major twist as a day earlier Sharad Pawar had announced that new Maharashtra government would be led by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackray. "We all have consensus on the name of Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister," Pawar had said after the first joint meeting of the three parties, Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena. Uddhav Thackeray had also said "positive" discussion took place on almost all the issues. Shiv Sena has been an old ally of BJP and fought in alliance with the latter in recently held Assembly polls. But the alliance broke over Shiv Sena's demand for sharing the chief minister's post as it was rejected by BJP. In the last month's polls, the BJP won 105 seats and Shiv Sena 56, while the Congress-NCP combine won 98 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Sharad Pawar has nothing to do with this, Ajit backstabbed people of Maharashtra: Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut

Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), said the party chief Sharad Pawar in a tweet minutes after the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively on Saturday morning.

Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), said the party chief Sharad Pawar in a tweet minutes after the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively on Saturday morning. ''We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his (Ajit Pawar), he added. Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his. — Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) November 23, 2019 × Meanwhile, news agency ANI reported quoting sources that Sharad Pawar had given his assent to Ajit Pawar and was part of the discussions for Devendra Fadnavis led Maharashtra Government formation. Ajit Pawar is the leader of Parliamentary board of NCP and no decision of the party is taken without Sharad Pawar’s assent, the ANI report added quoting the sources. In a surprising turn of events, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra CM for the second consecutive term while Nationalist Congres Party Supremo Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister. As the Maharashtra government impasse ended, the latest development comes as a major twist as a day earlier Sharad Pawar had announced that new Maharashtra government would be led by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackray. "We all have consensus on the name of Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister," Pawar had said after the first joint meeting of the three parties, Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena. Uddhav Thackeray had also said "positive" discussion took place on almost all the issues. Shiv Sena has been an old ally of BJP and fought recently held Assembly polls in alliance with latter. But the alliance broke over Shiv Sena's demand of sharing the chief minister's post which was rejected by BJP. In the last month's polls, the BJP won 105 seats and Shiv Sena 56, while the Congress-NCP combine won 98 seats. (With inputs from ANI)

We do not support or endorse Ajit Pawar's decision to support BJP: NCP chief  Sharad Pawar

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second time on Saturday morning. The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second time on Saturday morning. The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported. Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state. #WATCH Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister again, oath administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/kjWAlyMTci — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for taking oath as the CM and deputy CM respectively in a tweet immediately after the duo took oath. ''I am confident they will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra,'' added Modi. ''From result day to this day no party was able to form Govt, Maharashtra was facing many problems including farmer issues, so we decided to form a stable government,'' Ajit Pawar after taking oath as Deputy CM reportedly told ANI. The development comes at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had reportedly given his consent to become Maharashtra chief minister on Friday. Congratulations to @Dev_Fadnavis Ji and @AjitPawarSpeaks Ji on taking oath as the CM and Deputy CM of Maharashtra respectively. I am confident they will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 23, 2019 × Earlier, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44. (With inputs from ANI)

Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar as deputy CM 

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday reacted to the dramatic chain of events in Maharashtra. The minister said that he had earlier said that anything can happen in cricket and politics and the recent chain of events in Maharashtra exhibits the same.&nbsp;

"I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant," Gadkari said.&nbsp;

On Friday the minister had said that ideological differences exist among the Congress, the Shiv Sena and the NCP and that even if the triad forms a government, "it will not go much ahead".

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Union Minister &amp; BJP leader, Nitin Gadkari on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaharashtraGovtFormation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaharashtraGovtFormation</a>: I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant. <a href="https://t.co/Lv9Gc65tKQ">pic.twitter.com/Lv9Gc65tKQ</a>
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"This (Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress) is an alliance of opportunism, they will not be able to give Maharashtra a stable Government," Gadkari said as reported by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">Maharashtra's Chief Minister</a> for the second consecutive term after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar</a>.

The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state.

Accusing BJP of manipulating EVMs during polls, Uddhav Thackeray said everyone knows what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did when betrayed and attacked from the back.

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government and added that Ajit Pawar's decision was against the party line.&nbsp;

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Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday reacted to the dramatic chain of events in Maharashtra. The minister said that he had earlier said that anything can happen in cricket and politics and the recent chain of events in Maharashtra exhibits the same.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday reacted to the dramatic chain of events in Maharashtra. The minister said that he had earlier said that anything can happen in cricket and politics and the recent chain of events in Maharashtra exhibits the same. "I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant," Gadkari said. On Friday the minister had said that ideological differences exist among the Congress, the Shiv Sena and the NCP and that even if the triad forms a government, "it will not go much ahead". Union Minister & BJP leader, Nitin Gadkari on #MaharashtraGovtFormation: I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant. pic.twitter.com/Lv9Gc65tKQ — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × "This (Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress) is an alliance of opportunism, they will not be able to give Maharashtra a stable Government," Gadkari said as reported by news agency ANI. Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister for the second consecutive term after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar. The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported. Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state. Accusing BJP of manipulating EVMs during polls, Uddhav Thackeray said everyone knows what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did when betrayed and attacked from the back. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government and added that Ajit Pawar's decision was against the party line.

I had said anything can happen in politics, now you know what I meant: Gadkari on Maharashtra turmoil

The Maharashtra Surprise: Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra CM, Ajit Pawar as his deputy

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will elect new legislative&nbsp;leader, party chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday after he was removed from the position.&nbsp;

In a surprising turn of events, Ajit Pawar on Saturday joined hands with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and took oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. While BJP's Devendra Fadnavis became the Chief Minister and took oath for the second consecutive term.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai along with Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackray, Sharad Pawar said, "Today, a new NCP legislative party leader will be elected here (Mumbai) at 4 pm."

"Action against Ajit Pawar will be taken as per the procedure," Sarad Pawar also said.

Earlier in the day, reacting to the developments, Sharad Pawar said it was Ajit's personal decision to join hands with BJP and not of the NCP's.

"Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," he tweeted.

The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday.&nbsp;

On Friday, Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will elect new legislative leader, party chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday after he was removed from the position. In a surprising turn of events, Ajit Pawar on Saturday joined hands with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and took oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will elect new legislative leader, party chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday after he was removed from the position. In a surprising turn of events, Ajit Pawar on Saturday joined hands with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and took oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. While BJP's Devendra Fadnavis became the Chief Minister and took oath for the second consecutive term. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai along with Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackray, Sharad Pawar said, "Today, a new NCP legislative party leader will be elected here (Mumbai) at 4 pm." "Action against Ajit Pawar will be taken as per the procedure," Sarad Pawar also said. Earlier in the day, reacting to the developments, Sharad Pawar said it was Ajit's personal decision to join hands with BJP and not of the NCP's. "Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," he tweeted. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. On Friday, Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra: NCP to name new legislative leader after it sacked Ajit Pawar

Senior Shiv Sena leader claimed on Saturday that NCP leader Ajit Pawar has been blackmailed and whosoever is behind this act will be exposed soon.&nbsp;

Earlier today, in a massive turn of events, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in BJP's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit </a>as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively in the wee hours on Saturday. The development comes as a shock to NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena who were close to finalise&nbsp;the power-sharing deal to form government in the state.&nbsp;

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Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister again,NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy CM,oath was administered by Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan <a href="https://t.co/KrejSTXTBd">pic.twitter.com/KrejSTXTBd</a>
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&nbsp;

On Saturday morning, the President's rule in Maharahstra was revoked.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut said Ajit has been blackmailed and whosoever hatched this act will be exposed in Sena's mouthpiece Saamna newspaper soon. "Of the eight MLAs who had gone with Ajit Pawar, five of them returned. They were lied to, put in a car, and sort of kidnapped," Raut claimed.&nbsp;

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Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: We are in touch with Dhananjay Munde and there is a possibility of even Ajit Pawar coming back. Ajit has been blackmailed, it will be exposed who is behind this, in Saamna newspaper soon. <a href="https://t.co/vESFauyjWR">https://t.co/vESFauyjWR</a> <a href="https://t.co/DIomJ1niK2">pic.twitter.com/DIomJ1niK2</a>
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Raut also dared BJP to prove a majority in the Legislative Assembly.&nbsp;

Earlier, NCP chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-do-not-support-or-endorse-ajit-pawars-decision-to-support-bjp-sharad-pawar-on-ajit-decision-to-support-bjp-263991">Sharad Pawar </a>said that Ajit's decision to support BJP was "against the party line" and all NCP MLAs who supported Ajit will be disqualified. &nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray issued a stern warning to BJP that Maharashtra will not stay asleep if BJP tries to break Sena in a joint press conference with Sharad.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reacting on the latest development in Maharashtra, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that all three parties: Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP are united and will defeat BJP in the floor test.

On Sunday, NCP chief said that Uddhav will lead the government in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

From a few weeks, NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena were working on a common minimum programme (CMP) to form government in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

BJP, Shiv Sena fought election together but had a fallout over the post of chief minister. The results of Assembly elections in Maharashtra were declared on October 24 and BJP won the maximum number of seats 105. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress won 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. &nbsp;Support&nbsp;of at least 145 seats is required to form government in Maharashtra. 
&nbsp;

Senior Shiv Sena leader claimed on Saturday that NCP leader Ajit Pawar has been blackmailed and whosoever is behind this act will be exposed soon. Earlier today, in a massive turn of events, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively in the wee hours on Saturday.

Senior Shiv Sena leader claimed on Saturday that NCP leader Ajit Pawar has been blackmailed and whosoever is behind this act will be exposed soon. Earlier today, in a massive turn of events, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively in the wee hours on Saturday. The development comes as a shock to NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena who were close to finalise the power-sharing deal to form government in the state. Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister again,NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy CM,oath was administered by Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan pic.twitter.com/KrejSTXTBd — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × On Saturday morning, the President's rule in Maharahstra was revoked. Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut said Ajit has been blackmailed and whosoever hatched this act will be exposed in Sena's mouthpiece Saamna newspaper soon. "Of the eight MLAs who had gone with Ajit Pawar, five of them returned. They were lied to, put in a car, and sort of kidnapped," Raut claimed. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: We are in touch with Dhananjay Munde and there is a possibility of even Ajit Pawar coming back. Ajit has been blackmailed, it will be exposed who is behind this, in Saamna newspaper soon. https://t.co/vESFauyjWR pic.twitter.com/DIomJ1niK2 — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × Raut also dared BJP to prove a majority in the Legislative Assembly. Earlier, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that Ajit's decision to support BJP was "against the party line" and all NCP MLAs who supported Ajit will be disqualified. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray issued a stern warning to BJP that Maharashtra will not stay asleep if BJP tries to break Sena in a joint press conference with Sharad. Reacting on the latest development in Maharashtra, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that all three parties: Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP are united and will defeat BJP in the floor test. On Sunday, NCP chief said that Uddhav will lead the government in Maharashtra. From a few weeks, NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena were working on a common minimum programme (CMP) to form government in Maharashtra. BJP, Shiv Sena fought election together but had a fallout over the post of chief minister. The results of Assembly elections in Maharashtra were declared on October 24 and BJP won the maximum number of seats 105. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress won 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. Support of at least 145 seats is required to form government in Maharashtra.

Ajit Pawar was blackmailed, MLAs kidnapped: Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that his nephew Ajit Pawar's decision to lend support to BJP to form government in Maharashtra was "indiscipline" and "against the party lines".

He also cautioned party MLAs backing Ajit Pawar that they may lose their membership under the anti-defection law. Pawar, who addressed a joint press conference with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of BJP-NCP government.

"Ajit Pawar's decision is against the party line and is indiscipline," he said.

The press conference came hours after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar were sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in a dramatic early morning development.

The President's Rule in the state was revoked hours earlier. Pawar said NCP MLAs who have landed support to BJP or were thinking of doing so in the future will lose their membership under "anti-defection" law.

"All the MLAs who are going must know that there is an anti-defection law and the possibility of them losing their assembly membership is high. Even the voters of their respective constituency will also be angry with them," he said.

NCP MLA Rajendra Shingane, who was present at the presser, said he went to Raj Bhavan but was not aware that oath-taking ceremony was to take place.

"Ajit Pawar had called me to discuss something and from there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan. Before we could understand the oath ceremony was complete. I rushed to Pawar Sahab and told him that I am with him," he said.

Pawar said Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP had come together to form a government. "We have the numbers to form the government. Several independent are also with us," Pawar added.

NCP won 54 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 and Congress 44. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 105 seats in 288-member assembly, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on a rotating Chief Minister.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that his nephew Ajit Pawar's decision to lend support to BJP to form government in Maharashtra was "indiscipline" and "against the party lines".

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that his nephew Ajit Pawar's decision to lend support to BJP to form government in Maharashtra was "indiscipline" and "against the party lines". He also cautioned party MLAs backing Ajit Pawar that they may lose their membership under the anti-defection law. Pawar, who addressed a joint press conference with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of BJP-NCP government. "Ajit Pawar's decision is against the party line and is indiscipline," he said. The press conference came hours after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar were sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in a dramatic early morning development. The President's Rule in the state was revoked hours earlier. Pawar said NCP MLAs who have landed support to BJP or were thinking of doing so in the future will lose their membership under "anti-defection" law. "All the MLAs who are going must know that there is an anti-defection law and the possibility of them losing their assembly membership is high. Even the voters of their respective constituency will also be angry with them," he said. NCP MLA Rajendra Shingane, who was present at the presser, said he went to Raj Bhavan but was not aware that oath-taking ceremony was to take place. "Ajit Pawar had called me to discuss something and from there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan. Before we could understand the oath ceremony was complete. I rushed to Pawar Sahab and told him that I am with him," he said. Pawar said Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP had come together to form a government. "We have the numbers to form the government. Several independent are also with us," Pawar added. NCP won 54 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 and Congress 44. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 105 seats in 288-member assembly, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on a rotating Chief Minister.

Ajit's decision to support BJP 'against the party line': Sharad Pawar

After being sworn-in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-ncp-to-name-new-legislative-leader-after-it-sacked-ajit-pawar-264033"> NCP Ajit Pawar</a> said that it's more suitable for two parties (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">BJP-NCP</a>) to come together to form a government rather than three parties (NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena) to strive for it.

"The mandate was in clear favour to none and it was not possible for any party to form the government alone. Two-three parties have to come together to form the government however, eventually, two parties coming together and forming a government is more suitable," said Pawar.

In what can be termed as a surprising development, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second consecutive term while NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state.

The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President`s Rule was imposed in the state.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After being sworn-in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday, NCP Ajit Pawar said that it's more suitable for two parties (BJP-NCP) to come together to form a government rather than three parties (NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena) to strive for it.

After being sworn-in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday, NCP Ajit Pawar said that it's more suitable for two parties (BJP-NCP) to come together to form a government rather than three parties (NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena) to strive for it. "The mandate was in clear favour to none and it was not possible for any party to form the government alone. Two-three parties have to come together to form the government however, eventually, two parties coming together and forming a government is more suitable," said Pawar. In what can be termed as a surprising development, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second consecutive term while NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President`s Rule was imposed in the state. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Two parties coming together to form government is more suitable: Ajit Pawar

A day after Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari invited the third-largest party Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the state to stake claim to form the government after Shiv Sena failed to submit a letter of support, NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Monday said that his party was waiting for Congress response.

A day after Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari invited the third-largest party Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the state to stake claim to form the government after Shiv Sena failed to submit a letter of support, NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Monday said that his party was waiting for Congress response. ''Whatever decision will be taken collectively, so we were waiting for Congress response yesterday but it didn't come, we can't decide on it alone. There is no misunderstanding, we contested together and are together. When asked about forming the government, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar on Monday said, ''I will talk to the Congress''. Meanwhile, Congress leader Kagda Chandya Padvi express confidence that Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP parties will form the government in the state and a Shiv Sena leader will be the chief minister. ''Process is still underway, but the end result will be positive. Personally, I think the three (Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP) parties will form the government in the state and a Shiv Sena leader will be the chief minister,'' Padvi said. After BJP, which gained 105 seats in the Assembly polls, failed to form the government, Shiv Sena was asked to form the government. Shiv Sena asked the governor two-days to for submitting 'requisite' letters of support from other political parties. However, the governor refused. Following which, the governor asked NCP to form the government. The NCP has 54 MLAs while its alliance partner Congress has 44. If Shiv Sena, which had 56 legislators, gets the support of NCP and Congress, it will easily cross the majority mark of 145 in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly.

We contested together and are together, says Ajit Pawar as NCP awaits Congress response 

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, an old warhorse of Indian politics, has been named in an enforcement case investigation report filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Rs 25,000 crore Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam case. His nephew Ajit Pawar is also an accused in the case.&nbsp;

Sharad Pawar has called it vendetta politics before the state polls due next month and thundered that like Shivaji, he won’t bow down to the powers in Delhi.

NCP is fighting for survival with its back to the wall. The party is facing a mass exodus of leaders. Almost daily, there is news of this or that MLA, MLC, corporator, senior leader leaving the party and joining either BJP or the Shiv Sena.&nbsp;

NCP was formed in May 1999 by Sharad Pawar, PA Sangma, and Tariq Anwar after they were expelled from the Congress for opposing Italian Sonia Gandhi’s ascendancy to party president post. Sangma left the party in 2012, while Tariq Anwar quit last year and returned to the Congress.&nbsp;

The party didn’t have a base of its own. The Congress split down the line from the top to the bottom and many leaders/workers switched loyalties to Pawar. He wasn’t ever able to create a vote bank or support apart from the one enjoyed by the Congress party. The 1999 state elections held within three months of formation of the party threw up a hung verdict.

Pawar allied with Congress to form government in the state, the same party that he had left three months ago.

The Congress-NCP alliance went on to rule the state for 15 years on the trot. In 2004, NCP got more seats than the Congress; despite that, he offered the Chief Minister’s chair to the grand old party. In effect, the party leaders and workers enjoyed power since the foundation days of the party.

Now NCP is out of power for the last five years and has faced a serious drubbing in two consecutive general elections. The workers are not used to being out of power and it has impacted their status and funding. To add to the woes of the party, the

Maratha voter, its staunchest supporter, has deserted it. The Maratha elite, which is used to be in the corridors of power, has moved to BJP and the Shiv Sena in the last five years.

The party has been accused of espousing the cause of the elite and not the common Marathis, whose exodus to the saffron parties, began much earlier.&nbsp;

BJP is giving tough competition to NCP in its den of western Maharashtra. Western Maharashtra is the second most urbanised region after Mumbai-Thane. Its GDP per capita is second only to Mumbai-Thane.

While NCP won half of its tally from this region in 2014 state elections, BJP finished ahead of the party bagging 25 seats versus 19 of NCP. Urban centres have traditionally supported the BJP across the country.&nbsp;

NCP has been reduced to a party of Pawars, Patils, Naiks, Bhujbals and Ranes. Dynastic politics has plagued the party. In new India where youth are rejecting such politics, NCP is struggling to cope up with this phenomenon.

Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar, who is considered his heir, is already 60. He is brash and arrogant, not liked by many senior leaders. The recent exodus is partly because of his autocratic style of functioning. Many NCP leaders do not want to work alongside him.

Many corruption cases have tied him down. His son Parth unsuccessfully contested the general elections early this year.

While Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule is popular in her constituency and is slowly making her mark in Parliament in matters of woman and child development, she doesn’t enjoy the same mass connect as her father.

NCP is essentially a party of regional landlords, powerful sugar lobby and cooperative societies (who arranged &amp; managed the votes in their constituencies) with little or no direct connection with the voters.

Even Pawar is aware that NCP is politically shrinking. At this age, he is touring the state drumming up support for the UPA after having bargained for an equal number of seats with Congress. Time is ticking fast on the clock of the party! 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pawar-ncp-face-an-existential-crisis-like-never-before-2793357"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, an old warhorse of Indian politics, has been named in an enforcement case investigation report filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Rs 25,000 crore Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam case.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, an old warhorse of Indian politics, has been named in an enforcement case investigation report filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Rs 25,000 crore Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam case. His nephew Ajit Pawar is also an accused in the case. Sharad Pawar has called it vendetta politics before the state polls due next month and thundered that like Shivaji, he won’t bow down to the powers in Delhi. NCP is fighting for survival with its back to the wall. The party is facing a mass exodus of leaders. Almost daily, there is news of this or that MLA, MLC, corporator, senior leader leaving the party and joining either BJP or the Shiv Sena. NCP was formed in May 1999 by Sharad Pawar, PA Sangma, and Tariq Anwar after they were expelled from the Congress for opposing Italian Sonia Gandhi’s ascendancy to party president post. Sangma left the party in 2012, while Tariq Anwar quit last year and returned to the Congress. The party didn’t have a base of its own. The Congress split down the line from the top to the bottom and many leaders/workers switched loyalties to Pawar. He wasn’t ever able to create a vote bank or support apart from the one enjoyed by the Congress party. The 1999 state elections held within three months of formation of the party threw up a hung verdict. Pawar allied with Congress to form government in the state, the same party that he had left three months ago. The Congress-NCP alliance went on to rule the state for 15 years on the trot. In 2004, NCP got more seats than the Congress; despite that, he offered the Chief Minister’s chair to the grand old party. In effect, the party leaders and workers enjoyed power since the foundation days of the party. Now NCP is out of power for the last five years and has faced a serious drubbing in two consecutive general elections. The workers are not used to being out of power and it has impacted their status and funding. To add to the woes of the party, the Maratha voter, its staunchest supporter, has deserted it. The Maratha elite, which is used to be in the corridors of power, has moved to BJP and the Shiv Sena in the last five years. The party has been accused of espousing the cause of the elite and not the common Marathis, whose exodus to the saffron parties, began much earlier. BJP is giving tough competition to NCP in its den of western Maharashtra. Western Maharashtra is the second most urbanised region after Mumbai-Thane. Its GDP per capita is second only to Mumbai-Thane. While NCP won half of its tally from this region in 2014 state elections, BJP finished ahead of the party bagging 25 seats versus 19 of NCP. Urban centres have traditionally supported the BJP across the country. NCP has been reduced to a party of Pawars, Patils, Naiks, Bhujbals and Ranes. Dynastic politics has plagued the party. In new India where youth are rejecting such politics, NCP is struggling to cope up with this phenomenon. Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar, who is considered his heir, is already 60. He is brash and arrogant, not liked by many senior leaders. The recent exodus is partly because of his autocratic style of functioning. Many NCP leaders do not want to work alongside him. Many corruption cases have tied him down. His son Parth unsuccessfully contested the general elections early this year. While Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule is popular in her constituency and is slowly making her mark in Parliament in matters of woman and child development, she doesn’t enjoy the same mass connect as her father. NCP is essentially a party of regional landlords, powerful sugar lobby and cooperative societies (who arranged & managed the votes in their constituencies) with little or no direct connection with the voters. Even Pawar is aware that NCP is politically shrinking. At this age, he is touring the state drumming up support for the UPA after having bargained for an equal number of seats with Congress. Time is ticking fast on the clock of the party! (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Sharad Pawar, NCP face an existential crisis like never before

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday proposed a panel of senior members of the Maharashtra Legislature to probe the audio clip that allegedly featured the name of Leader of Opposition in the Council, Dhananjay Munde.

Fadnavis said in the Legislative Assembly that it was a serious issue as the audio clip purportedly casts aspersions on the functioning of the Legislature and lowers its dignity.

A Marathi news channel had last week allegedly aired an audio clip in which it was purportedly claimed that Munde, a senior NCP leader, had stalled a Calling Attention Motion in the Legislative Council for a bribe.

Munde had rubbished the accusations against him and alleged it was a tactic adopted by the government to divert peoples&#39;&nbsp;attention from &quot;core issues&quot; plaguing the state.

Fadnavis on Monday said, &quot;We need to protect the dignity of the Legislature.&quot;

&quot;I suggest that a committee comprising the Assembly speaker, the Legislative Council Chairman and the leaders of opposition in the Upper and the Lower House should probe the issue so that the dignity of the legislature is protected&quot;, he said.

He added that the police case in the matter will be probed separately.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar said he agreed with the suggestion and asked the Chair to tell the members from the treasury benches to get back to their seats so that the day&#39;s proceedings could be conducted.

The leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil then raised the issue of the revocation of suspension of BJP-backed independent MLC Prashant Paricharak.

To this, Fadnavis said there was no need to politicise all issues.

&quot;In this (Munde) case, even we can bring politics. But I am suggesting a way out to uphold the dignity of the Legislature,&quot; Fadnavis said.

As members from the treasury benches came into the well demanding suspension of Dhananjay Munde, Speaker Haribhau Bagde took up the motion to thank Governor C&nbsp;Vidyasagar Rao for his address to the joint sitting of the state Legislature on the first day of the budget session.

Amid the din, the motion was passed without a discussion on it and sans a reply from the Chief Minister.

The speaker then adjourned the House for the day.

Paricharak was suspended from the state Legislative Council in March last year after he joked during an election campaign about the wives of soldiers.

The legislator had later apologized for his statement.

The state government had last week revoked his suspension.

A Marathi news channel had last week allegedly aired an audio clip in which it was purportedly claimed that Munde, a senior NCP leader, had stalled a Calling Attention Motion in the Legislative Council for a bribe

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday proposed a panel of senior members of the Maharashtra Legislature to probe the audio clip that allegedly featured the name of Leader of Opposition in the Council, Dhananjay Munde. Fadnavis said in the Legislative Assembly that it was a serious issue as the audio clip purportedly casts aspersions on the functioning of the Legislature and lowers its dignity. A Marathi news channel had last week allegedly aired an audio clip in which it was purportedly claimed that Munde, a senior NCP leader, had stalled a Calling Attention Motion in the Legislative Council for a bribe. Munde had rubbished the accusations against him and alleged it was a tactic adopted by the government to divert peoples' attention from "core issues" plaguing the state. Fadnavis on Monday said, "We need to protect the dignity of the Legislature." "I suggest that a committee comprising the Assembly speaker, the Legislative Council Chairman and the leaders of opposition in the Upper and the Lower House should probe the issue so that the dignity of the legislature is protected", he said. He added that the police case in the matter will be probed separately. NCP leader Ajit Pawar said he agreed with the suggestion and asked the Chair to tell the members from the treasury benches to get back to their seats so that the day's proceedings could be conducted. The leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil then raised the issue of the revocation of suspension of BJP-backed independent MLC Prashant Paricharak. To this, Fadnavis said there was no need to politicise all issues. "In this (Munde) case, even we can bring politics. But I am suggesting a way out to uphold the dignity of the Legislature," Fadnavis said. As members from the treasury benches came into the well demanding suspension of Dhananjay Munde, Speaker Haribhau Bagde took up the motion to thank Governor C Vidyasagar Rao for his address to the joint sitting of the state Legislature on the first day of the budget session. Amid the din, the motion was passed without a discussion on it and sans a reply from the Chief Minister. The speaker then adjourned the House for the day. Paricharak was suspended from the state Legislative Council in March last year after he joked during an election campaign about the wives of soldiers. The legislator had later apologized for his statement. The state government had last week revoked his suspension.

Munde audio clip: Chief Minister suggests probe by House Panel

India&#39;s western state of Maharashtra witnessed a&nbsp;major development in its four-year-old irrigation scam as the state cabinet today cancelled 95 irrigation projects commissioned by the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) alliance that ruled the state up to October 2014. 
 
The projects, running into billions of dollars, were mostly sanctioned during&nbsp;the tenure of former state irrigation minister Ajit Pawar. 
 
Pawar has been accused of corruption on several occasions by the ruling government in 
the recent past. 
 
(WION)

The projects, running into billions, were commissioned by the Congress-NCP alliance ruling the state up to October 2014

India's western state of Maharashtra witnessed a major development in its four-year-old irrigation scam as the state cabinet today cancelled 95 irrigation projects commissioned by the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) alliance that ruled the state up to October 2014. The projects, running into billions of dollars, were mostly sanctioned during the tenure of former state irrigation minister Ajit Pawar. Pawar has been accused of corruption on several occasions by the ruling government in the recent past. (WION)

India: Maharashtra state cabinet cancels 95 irrigation projects

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